51A Online Mandated Reporter Training:
Recognizing & Reporting Child Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation
WELCOME
Mandated reporters who are professionally licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are required to complete a training to learn how to recognize and report suspected child abuse and neglect.
While anyone who suspects a child is being maltreated can and should file a 51A Report with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families ("DCF"), professionals who have been designated by the Legislature as mandated reporters are required by law to do so.
Because they often are the first adults to see signs of or be told about abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation, mandated reporters play an integral part in the protection of our children.
This online training was designed by the Middlesex Children’s Advocacy Center in collaboration with the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office to help mandated reporters:
- Understand their legal obligations as mandated reporters
- Recognize possible signs and symptoms of maltreatment
- Know how to respond to a child who discloses abuse
- Know how to file a 51A Report
- Understand what happens after a 51A Report is filed