Mandated Reporting of Child & Vulnerable Adult Abuse for Mental Health Professionals

Fulfills requirement: Mandated Reporting (in Mississippi and other states)

Mandated reporting laws are in place to protect individuals who cannot advocate for themselves. Essential roles of mental health professionals are to recognize the signs of abuse and adhere to relevant reporting laws and procedures for child and vulnerable adult abuse. Mental health professionals not only have a legal responsibility to report suspected abuse (along with potential criminal charges and/or loss of professional licensure for failing to report) but also an ethical duty to prioritize the safety and well-being of their clients.

This beginner/intermediate course provides a succinct overview of what mental health professionals must know about mandated reporting for children and vulnerable adults. For both child and vulnerable adult abuse, the course content reviews the relevant legal definitions, helps clinicians recognize the signs, and provides a summary of the range of federal and state laws related to mandated reporters and the reporting process. An in-depth focus on a particular state’s laws and procedures is beyond the scope of this course. Therefore, clinicians are strongly encouraged to read their applicable statutes and professional guidelines and to consult with their attorneys, licensing boards, and colleagues for specific situations.

Although not officially part of the course, supplementary information about mandated reporting of both child abuse and vulnerable adult abuse is available for Mississippi. Supplementary information about mandated reporting of child abuse is also provided for mental health professionals in California and New York.