Which professionals are typically mandated to report child maltreatment?

• A. LEO, teachers, medical professionals, social workers, and child care workers
• B. Only physicians
• C. Any citizen
• D. School counselors only

Answer: (A)

Mandated reporters are the professionals who, by law, must report suspected child maltreatment when they have reasonable cause to believe a child is being harmed. The group listed—law enforcement officers, teachers, medical professionals, social workers, and child care workers—covers roles that interact with children regularly and are trained to recognize signs of abuse or neglect. Because they’re in key positions to notice concerns, the law requires them to report promptly to child protective services or the appropriate authority, rather than investigating themselves. This broad duty helps ensure children get help quickly and that investigators can assess safety and need. Other options are too narrow or inaccurate: reporting by physicians alone misses other essential mandated reporters, and while any citizen can report concerns, not all citizens have a legal duty to do so; limiting to school counselors only excludes many who are also required to report. In short, the listed professionals represent the typical group with a legal obligation to report maltreatment to protect children.