Mandated Reporter Training Report

A requirement for becoming an intern at my field placement was the completion of the California general mandated reporter training. I completed the training around a week ago, and will use that certificate and experience to complete this assignment. The training is extensive and states to set aside 4 hours to complete the modules in the training. The training is composed of four lessons or modules. Lesson one covers the different types of child abuse: physical, sexual, emotional, and neglect. It also covers the red flags mandated reporters should look for and how to recognize and identify the different types of abuse. Lesson two outlines how to file a report, who must report, when mandated reporters must file a report, and the consequences of failing to file a report. It also explains the confidentiality rights someone has as
One of those expectations is reporting abuse or suspected abuse. I asked my field work supervisor if she has ever had to file a report because I wanted to hear first-hand how the process works. Luckily, she has only had to contact child protective services a couple of times. I was grateful to hear about her experiences because she talked about aspects the training does not mention. For example, the angry backlash from parents or guardians after a report is made. The reporter’s confidentiality is protected, but sometimes it is easy for the parent or guardian to connect the dots and realize who made the report of abuse. The training also does not cover the emotions that may come up for the person making the report. Discovering a child is being abused is difficult and heart breaking to say the least, but it can be even more difficult if the abuse is taking place in home that one placed the child in or is case managing. The professional may end up feeling guilty and responsible for the