JLF Staff Procedure for Reporting Incidents of Child Abuse and Neglect

STAFF PROCEDURE FOR REPORTING INCIDENTS OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT

Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 119, Section 51A, any public or private school teacher, educational administrator, guidance or family counselor, nurse, or social worker, as well as certain other professionals, who in his/her professional capacity believes that a child under eighteen is suffering serious physical or emotional injury resulting from abuse or neglect, must immediately report such cases to the Department of Public Welfare.

Mandated reporters are specifically exempted from liability in any civil or criminal action by reason of such a report.

LEGAL REF.: M.G.L. c.119:51A.