Making the Tough Call
9 minutes
Mandated Reporting When Substance Use Endangers a Child
A mandated reporter is a person the law requires to report suspected child abuse or neglect. In many places, including every US state, social workers are mandated reporters. Here is the key idea. A parent's substance use is not, by itself, always a reason to report. The trigger is harm, or real risk of harm, to the child. Ask yourself: is the child safe and cared for? Signs that may cross the line include a parent who cannot be woken while caring for a young child, drugs or needles within a child's reach, a child left without food or supervision, or a parent driving a child while impaired. You do not need proof. Many US laws use a standard like 'reasonable suspicion', meaning a careful person would be concerned based on the facts. Do not investigate on your own or confront the family. Report the facts you saw and heard, with dates and quotes. In many places, telling your supervisor does not replace your own duty to report. Laws differ by country and state, including rules about newborns exposed to drugs. Follow your agency's policy and local law. After this Concept you can decide whether what you saw points to risk to a child and make a factual report when the law calls for one.