Pros And Cons Of Mandated Reporters

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Mandated Reporters are persons who, as a result of their profession, are more likely to be aware of abuse or neglect of persons with disabilities. Mandated Reporters are required by law to report cases of suspected abuse to the Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) when they have a suspicion that a person with a disability is suffering from a reportable condition of abuse or neglect. Other persons who are not mandated to report may choose to file reports of suspected abuse.
Who are Mandated to Report?
• person employed by a state agency within the Executive Office of Health and Human Services including but not limited to employees of the o Department of Developmental Services o Department of Mental Health o Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
• person employed by a private agency providing services to persons with disabilities
• physician
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• Victims may be afraid of getting the caregiver/abuser in trouble.
• Victims may be unable to explain what happened because of the nature of their disability.
What Makes Reporting Difficult for Caregivers?
Taking the step to actually file a report can be difficult for many reasons:
• Caregivers may be shocked, angered or embarrassed by what they hear or see.
• Caregivers may be hearing information that is very contrary to their own personal standards.
• Caregivers may be unclear of their responsibility to report or what constitutes abuse or neglect.
• Caregivers may be fearful that they will be brought into a legal matter where their reputation and character may be questioned.
• Caregivers may not want to become involved.
• Caregivers may be fearful of retaliation from the caregiver/alleged abuser or their agency.
• The Caregiver/alleged abuser may be a friend and co-worker.
• Caregivers may be afraid that reporting will make the situation worse.
• Caregivers may be fearful of alienating the caregiver/abuser and having needed services refused.
• Caregivers may be reluctant to break the "Code of Silence" among

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