Mandated Reporter

A person who is legally required to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable individuals — including people with disabilities, older adults, and children — to the appropriate authorities such as Adult Protective Services or child protective agencies. Mandated reporters typically include healthcare workers, educators, social workers, and direct care staff. In the context of disability, mandated reporting is critical because people with intellectual and developmental disabilities experience abuse at significantly higher rates than the general population, and reporting is severely lacking due to barriers in recognition, communication, and being believed.