Mandated reporters are best defined as which group?

• A. Any citizen
• B. Designated professionals required by law to report known or suspected child abuse
• C. Only law enforcement officers
• D. Only medical doctors in a hospital setting

Answer: (B)

Mandated reporters are individuals who are legally required to report known or suspected child abuse. This designation brings together professionals who work with children and hold positions of trust—such as teachers, doctors, nurses, social workers, and child care workers—because the law assigns them a duty to act. The goal is to ensure concerns are reported promptly to the appropriate child protective services so investigations can begin and children can be protected. It’s not meant for every citizen, nor is it limited to only police or only medical doctors; it refers to the group designated by law to have this reporting obligation.