Mandated Reporter Basics
________ include professionals such as doctors, nurses, teachers, social workers, police, firefighters, counselors, clergy, foster parents, and others defined by Massachusetts law
Who is considered a mandated reporter in Massachusetts?
This is the name of the report submitted to DCF when child abuse is suspected
What is a 51 A report
Programs that are federally funded and provide SUD diagnosis, treatment or referral
What are programs that are required to follow 42 CFR Part 2?
This is the primary way Part 2 programs can disclose information
What written consent of the client
"Everything you share is protected by confidentiality laws, including 42 CFR Part 2. The only time I must break confidentiality is if a child is being abused/neglected or if someone is in immediate danger.”
What should you say at the start of treatment?
The counselor did these 2 steps after suspecting abuse or neglect
What is make an immediate oral report to DCF then submit a written report within 48 hours and notify their supervisor
DCF does this immediately after receiving a 51 A report
What is screening in or out
Patient identifying info including name, address, SSN, or anything that could identify the client directly or indirectly
What is considered “patient identifying information” under Part 2?
This situation is a common code at Hillside and is an exception to allow disclosure without written consent
What is a bona fide medical emergency, disclosure is permitted to necessary medical personnel
"Thank you for trusting me , I am required to file a report with DCF to ensure child safety, I am here to support- not punish"
What to say if it is revealed a client's child is being abused or neglected
The written 51 A report must be made in this amount of time after the oral report
what is 48 hours
These are the two types of DCF responses after a report is "Screened in"
What is a CPS Investigation (for severe abuse/neglect) or Assessment Response (for lower/moderate risk)
anyone who has applied for, participated in, or received services from a Part 2 program — including applicants (even if never admitted), current clients, and former clients
Who is protected by 42 CFR Part 2
FOR TRIPLE THE POINTS! (OFF TOPIC)
In an urgent email last week Rachael H described this as the copy and pasting of group notes with no individualization. ( Rachael H cannot answer if she is in the group)
What is "Cloning"
This what you should say when a client feels like their trust has been betrayed or afraid of DCF involvement ( paraphrase is fine)
What is Acknowledge their fear, explain DCF usually assesses safety and connects families to resources, and reassure them they still have a voice in the process
This is the penalty for failing to report suspected child abuse or neglect
what is a fine up to $1,000; if a child suffers serious injury or death, up to $5,000 fine and 2.5 years in jail
An emergency investigation must begin this amount of time after a report
An emergency investigation must begin within 2 hours of the report
This must accompany any disclosure made under Part 2
Every disclosure must be accompanied by a notice prohibiting unauthorized re-disclosure-
We call it a signed ROI - " I have signed ROI on file for....", faxing ROIs with ppw
This is not sufficient to force a disclosure of part 2 information- a properly executed court order is required.
What is a Subpoena
This is what should be done after making a mandated report to support the client (paraphrasing is fine)
What is to Let them know you are still there for them, treatment continues, and now additional people may be involved to help keep their child safe. Explore what supports they and their family might need going forward.
These are are conditions or evidence that require a 51 A report ( name 2)
What is physical/emotional injury, neglect, malnutrition, child born physically dependent on drugs, sexual exploitation, human trafficking, or death from abuse/neglect
It is I/we who receives a copy of the DCF decision letter after a case determination
Who is the mandated reporter who filed the 51 A
This is the only way a facility can disclose client treatment information with a probation officer/officer.
what is a the client’s written consent or a court order that meets Part 2 requirements (signed by judge). A probation officer does not automatically have access to treatment records, and disclosures without consent would violate confidentiality
A ______ allows sharing information with service providers (like billing or data processing) who agree to follow Part 2
What is a Qualified Service Organization Agreement (QSOA)
Say this when a client exclaims “You just ruined my life. I’ll never trust treatment again. You went behind my back a reported me?” (paraphrasing is fine)
Validate their fear and frustration, explain that DCF’s role is first to assess safety and connect families to resources, and reassure them that treatment continues. Emphasize transparency: “I’d rather be honest with you than make a report behind your back. I’ll stay here to support you and focus the report only on what’s necessary.”