Mandated vs. Permissive Reporting

Under ACT 126 of 2012, all school employees who has (1) direct contact with children (i.e., the possibility of care, supervision, guidance or control of children or routine interaction with children) and (2) has reasonable cause to suspect child abuse of one or more child(ren) within the organization has a duty to report to this suspicious behavior. These individuals are known as known as a mandated reporters whereas any individual who does not meet one or both conditions noted above is considered a permissive reporter.

Mandated reporters can make a report either online or via phone and instructions for each are provided below. Note that mandated reporters must submit their name and contact information when making a report. (Permissive reporters, however, can anonymously file a report of suspected child abuse).