Mandated Reporter Basics
Who in a school is considered a mandated reporter?
A. All school staff (pedagogical & non-pedagogical)
B. Only teachers
C. Only counselors
D. Only administrators
A. All school staff (pedagogical & non-pedagogical).
After calling SCR, what should you always request and record?
A. The child’s statement
B. The Call I.D. number
C. The parent’s signature
D. The principal’s approval
B. The Call I.D. number.
Which of the following is a possible indicator of neglect?
A. Bruises on both sides of the head
B. Age-inappropriate sexual knowledge
C. Dirty clothing
D. All of the above
C. Dirty clothing.
If you’re uncertain whether what you’ve heard or observed is abuse, what should you do?
A. Ignore it
B. Wait for more evidence
C. Err on the side of caution and report
D. Ask the parent
C. Err on the side of caution and report.
If a teacher is unsure how to proceed, who in the school can provide immediate guidance?
A. Guidance Department or Administration
B. The student’s parent
C. A colleague
D. Nobody
A. Guidance Department or Administration.
What is the threshold needed before making a report of suspected abuse or maltreatment?
A. Proof beyond a doubt
B. Reasonable cause to suspect
C. Direct witness of abuse
D. Parental confirmation
What form must be completed after making a report to SCR?
A. LDSS-2221A
B. IRS-1040
C. DOE-Form 12
D. Child Safety Checklist
A. LDSS-2221A.
If a student begins to share information about abuse, what should you do?
A. Promise secrecy
B. Investigate immediately
C. Listen calmly, don’t promise secrecy, then report
D. Ignore it
C. Listen calmly, don't promise secrecy, then report.
True or False: You should call SCR if you are unsure but suspect possible abuse.
A. True
B. False
A. True.
Who can staff go to for support when making a call to SCR?
A. Guidance counselor
B. Social worker
C. School administrator
D. All of the above
D. All of the above.
What is the first step you must take if you suspect child abuse or neglect?
A. Tell a colleague
B. Call the State Central Register (SCR)
C. Wait to see if it continues
D. Call the parent
B. Call the State Central Register (SCR)
If a child is in immediate danger, what should you do in addition to calling SCR?
A. Call 911
B. Call the parent
C. Wait for guidance
D. Ask the student again
A. Call 911.
A student tells you their parent hits them at home. What should you do?
A. Ask them to wait until tomorrow
B. Call SCR immediately
C. Call another teacher first
D.Document and do nothing
B. Call SCR immediately.
Staff have tried multiple times to engage a family about a student’s repeated absences. The student appears malnourished. What should you do?
A. Ignore it
B. Continue trying to call parent
C. Call SCR immediately
D. Send an email to admin
C. Call SCR immediately.
Who can you contact for immediate guidance before calling SCR?
A. School counselor
B. Social worker
C. Parent
D. A and B
D. A and B.
True or False: A mandated reporter can delegate the responsibility to another staff member.
A. True
B. False
B. False.
Should staff investigate or question the child to confirm before calling SCR?
A. No
B. Yes
Yes.
A student says they “don’t want to go home tonight,” but you are unsure why. Staff have tried contacting the family with no response. What do you do?
A. Ignore it
B. Call SCR
C. Ask another student
D. Wait until morning
B. Call SCR
If a concern arises early in the morning and administration is unavailable, can you call SCR without consulting them?
A. No
B. Yes
C. Only after emailing
D. Only after calling another staff member
B. Yes.
Why is it important for mandated reporters to access supports like NYC Well, MAPS, or Headspace?
A. To stay updated on policy
B. To get legal advice
C. To help manage the emotional toll of disclosures
D. To avoid making reports
C. To help manage the emotional toll of disclosures.
True or False: Good faith reporters can be held liable if the suspicion is not confirmed.
A. True
B. False
B. False.
If it’s 4:30 PM and you suspect abuse, but administration is not available, what should you do?
A. Wait until next day
B. Call SCR immediately
C. Ask a colleague
D. Email administration
B. Call SCR immediately.
A student reports their parent sometimes hits them but is vague about details. What is the safest step?
A. Do nothing
B. Call SCR
C. Talk only to another teacher
D. Wait to see if it happens again
B. Call SCR.
If a concern arises at 3 PM and administration is available, should you call SCR immediately?
A. No, wait until after you speak with admin
B. Yes,
C. No, wait until end of day
D. Only after documenting
B. Yes.
What could happen if a mandated reporter fails to report suspected child abuse?
A. Nothing
B. Class A misdemeanor
C. Written warning,
D. Parent meeting
B. Class A misdemeanor.