What protections do mandated reporters have when reporting suspected child abuse?

• A. They shall not be subject to sanctions, retaliation, or discipline for reporting.
• B. They will receive a raise.
• C. They will be eligible for a reward.
• D. They are exempt from all workplace rules.

Answer: (A)

Mandated reporters are protected from retaliation when they report suspected child abuse, as long as the report is made in good faith. This means that teachers, staff, or others required to report can do so without fear of sanctions, retaliation, or discipline from supervisors or the district for making the report. The purpose is to encourage timely and honest reporting to protect children, not to punish those who raise concerns. The protection typically applies only to reports made in good faith; if someone reports with malice or knowing false information, different consequences can apply. The options about receiving a raise, earning a reward, or being exempt from all workplace rules do not reflect how these protections work and aren’t what the law provides.