You MIGHT Just Be a MANDATED Reporter...

Nope, not just Dr. Phil is a mandated reporter.  (How many times does he say that during shows anyway?  Do we have to have to be reminded?  We know, Dr. Phil, we know!)

According to the New York State Office of Children and Family Services,  people in certain jobs are REQUIRED to report suspected child abuse or maltreatment.  Um, as a responsible adult in the world, shouldn't this include everyone?

Ethically, I guess so.

But for these folks  (including yours truly), it is a LEGAL responsibility. We can face civil and criminal charges if we "intentionally" fail to make a report.  

Are you one of them?  I hope you already know, but just in case you didn't...

If you are a social worker, you just might be a mandated reporter.

If you are licensed creative arts, marriage and family, or mental health therapist, you just might be a mandated reporter.  Same goes for licensed psychoanalysts.  (Does this mean if you are not licensed you are off the hook?)

If you are a physician, a surgeon, a dentist or dental hygienist, chiropractor, osteopath, optometrist, or podiatrist, heck, even if you work in a hospital and have anything to do with admitting, examining, caring for, or treating people, you just might be a mandated reporter.  (Shouldn't they just say "doctor" and call it good?)

If you are a medical examiner or coroner, you just might be a mandated reporter. (Yup, you aren't exempt even if you are dealing with the dead!)

If you are a resident or intern, registered nurse, PA, psychologist, or mental health professional, you just might be a mandated reporter. 

If you are a substance abuse or alcoholism counselor, you just might be a mandated reporter.

If you are a peace officer, police officer, or an EMT, you just might be a mandated reporter.

If you are a district attorney, assistant district attorney, social services worker, or even an investigator employed by the DA, you just might be a mandated reporter. (This one seemed fairly obvious.)

Here's where I come in:

If you are a school official, daycare center worker or family daycare worker, you just might be a mandated reporter. (I feel so OFFICIAL!)

If you work for or are even a volunteer with youth, child care, of foster care, you just might be a mandated reporter.  (Again, fairly obvious.)

And lastly, if you are a Christian Science Practioner, you just might be a mandated reporter.  (Uh, why was nothing was said about religious clergy...  hmmm... why are we only singling out Christian Scientists?  Are they known for their child abuse coverups?)

Note:  when I said "you just might be a mandated reporter," I mean you absolutely are.  You should know this already, duh.