Child abuse and neglect reports are made by individuals and people from a variety of professions and organizations. Any person may make a report, however, South Dakota State law requires the following persons, also referred to as mandatory reporters, to report suspected child abuse and neglect as defined in SDCL 26-8A-3.
Mandatory reporters have extensive contact with children on a daily basis. Often times, a mandatory reporter is the first individual a child will disclose abuse or neglect to because of the close relationship and contact with the child. In turn, mandatory reporters are often the first to suspect child abuse or neglect because they recognize the behavioral changes and other signs that may indicate a child is being abused or neglected.
Failure by a mandatory reporter to report child abuse or neglect is a misdemeanor. The Division of Child Protection Services and law enforcement agencies are required by law to investigate reports of child abuse or neglect. Any person who knows or has reasonable cause to suspect a child has been physically or emotionally injured, neglected or sexually abused should report it immediately.
Even though this training is designed for mandatory reporters in the State of South Dakota, any and all citizens who are concerned about a child's safety and welfare are encouraged to report abuse and/or neglect.
Upon successful completion of this training video, a certificate will appear as a pdf. The pdf will need to be printed by the user. If you do not have a printer readily available, the pdf may be emailed for printing at a later date.
If you are not able to print or view your certificate after completing the Mandatory Reporter Training, please email JoLynn Bostrom at JoLynn.Bostrom@state.sd.us for assistance.
