Which group is not typically a mandated reporter for child maltreatment?

• A. Neighbors not in listed professions
• B. Law Enforcement Officers, Teachers, Medical professionals, Social workers, and Child care workers
• C. Social workers
• D. Medical professionals

Answer: (A)

Mandated reporters are the people whose jobs put them in regular contact with children and who are legally required to report suspected maltreatment. In this context, the groups that must report commonly include law enforcement officers, teachers, medical professionals, social workers, and child care workers. Neighbors who are not in one of these listed professions do not have a legal duty to report, even though they can choose to report if they suspect abuse or neglect. The key idea is that the law assigns the duty to specific professions, not to all adults, to ensure timely action to protect children. If a mandated reporter does report in good faith, they’re typically protected from liability; failures to report can carry penalties for those with the duty.