Bill > S129

This bill requires professionally licensed mandated reporters in Massachusetts to complete child abuse and neglect recognition training at least every two years, with the curriculum specifically approved by the Office of the Child Advocate. The training curriculum will need to cover comprehensive topics including identifying signs of child abuse or neglect, understanding reporting requirements, addressing potential cultural biases, learning how to appropriately engage with families when concerns do not meet the threshold for a formal maltreatment report, and understanding how to connect families with necessary support resources. A mandated reporter is typically a professional who is legally required to report suspected child abuse or neglect, such as teachers, healthcare workers, counselors, and social workers. The bill aims to ensure that these professionals are consistently updated on best practices for recognizing and responding to potential child welfare concerns, with the goal of better protecting children from abuse and neglect by improving professionals' knowledge and skills in identifying and reporting such situations.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S129