Mandated Reporters are required by law to report. The Michigan Child Protection Law mandates that persons who interact with children professionally in Michigan report suspected or possible child sexual abuse to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

Mandated reporters include:

• Physician

• Dentist

• Physician's assistant

• Registered dental hygienist

• Medical examiner

• Nurse

• Person licensed to provide emergency medical care

• Audiologist

• Psychologist

• Marriage and family therapist

• Licensed professional counselor

• Social worker

• Licensed master's social worker

• Licensed bachelor's social worker

• Registered social service technician

• Social service technician

• A person employed in a professional capacity in the following:

  • Any office of the friend of the court

  • School administrator

  • School counselor or teacher

  • Law enforcement officer

  • Member of the clergy

  • Regulated child care provider

The Michigan Child Protection Law, 1975 PA 238, MCL 722.621 et. seq., requires the reporting of child abuse and neglect by certain persons (called mandated reporters) and permits the reporting of child abuse and neglect by all persons. The Child Protection Law includes the legal requirements for reporting, investigating, and responding to child abuse and neglect.

Mandated reporters are an essential part of the child protection system because they have an enhanced capacity, through their expertise and direct contact with children, to identify suspected child abuse and neglect.

A person making a report or providing information about a child is immune from civil or criminal liability unless such person has been charged with, or is suspected of, the abuse or neglect in question.

A person acting with malice who either knowingly and or intentionally makes a false report of child abuse and neglect or who coerces another person to make a false report is guilty of a crime. A person who knowingly and intentionally falsely accuses another of maliciously making a false report of child abuse and neglect is also guilty of a crime.

(More Info at MIBridges.Michigan.gov)

Make a report any time, day or night, by calling 1-855-444-3911. You will reach the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and a staff member will assist you in making a report.

Answer to the best of your ability.

Focus on what you know. Stick to what is factually known and what you have personally observed or suspect.

Most child sexual abuse is not seen, and no one expects you to be the investigator. Ask only open-ended questions when a child discloses to you such as, “What happened next?” and “Can you tell me more?”

Collect your thoughts. Take a brief moment to gather some basic data, such as:

• Name, age, gender, and other identifying markers for all adults and children involved

• Addresses or location

• Information regarding disabilities and/or limitations of the victims (especially for vulnerable adult victims)

• Relationship of the alleged perpetrator to the child or adult victim(s)

• Other relevant information, such as directions to the victim or potential risks to the investigator

An average call takes just 15 minutes to complete and you must call immediately when you are informed of or have suspicions of abuse. You may give your name or make an anonymous report.

Yes! Adults often experience a “gut feeling” that things are not safe or appropriate. Trust you instincts and think about what caused your feelings in the first place.

Every report is unique. When a report is made, the investigating party determines next steps. In the Grand Traverse Region, child protection and law enforcement are given the option of using the Traverse Bay Children’s Advocacy Center to assist in the investigation and to provide follow-up services.