Everyone who works or volunteers in a Head Start program is a mandated reporter. Being a mandated reporter means that they must report any known or suspected instances of child abuse or neglect. They report to the child protection agency in their jurisdiction. This includes incidents that occur when a child is in the care of the program.
The law requires programs to notify the appropriate authority. The child protection agency investigates and determines if a child has experienced abuse or neglect. To learn more about mandatory reporting, see Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect.
Tips and Strategies for Mandated Reporting
- Review Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Reporting. Ask your child protection agency about whether to file a report if a child is living in a home where there is domestic violence.
- Make sure your program has a written child abuse and neglect policy. The policy should include how to file a report, including who is responsible and when to file a report.
- Make sure all staff, contractors, and volunteers know that anyone who has a concern about suspected abuse or neglect can file a report themselves, separate from the actions taken by the program.
- Post the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline's toll-free phone number, 800-4A-CHILD (422-4453), and childhelphotline.org website. You should also display contact information for the local child protection agency.
Learn More
iLookOut for Child Abuse is an online professional development course for Head Start staff that is available in English and Spanish. The course is on the Individualized Professional Development (iPD) Portfolio and offers continuing education units.
A state-specific version of iLookOut meets the state-mandated training requirements for staff who live in Pennsylvania or Maine. Staff in other jurisdictions should check for trainings that meet their requirements.
