51A Online Mandated Reporter Training
While anyone who suspects a child is being maltreated can and should file a 51A Report with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families ("DCF"), professionals who have been designated by the Legislature as mandated reporters are required by law to do so.
Because they are often the first adults to see signs of (or be told about) abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation, mandated reporters play an integral part in the protection of our children.
The Northwestern District Attorney's Office is proud to share 51A Online Mandated Reporter Training designed by the Middlesex Children’s Advocacy Center in collaboration with the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office. To learn more and to register for the self-paced training, please click here: http://51a.middlesexcac.org.
This online training, which takes about 45 minutes to complete, satisfies the requirement that mandated reporters who are professionally licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts complete training to recognize and report suspected child abuse and neglect, pursuant to M.G.L. c. 119, § 51A(k). When you finish the training, you will be able to print or download a certificate of completion.
Upon completion, you will:
- Understand your legal obligation as a mandated reporter
- Recognize possible signs and symptoms of maltreatment
- Know how to respond to a child who discloses abuse
- Know how to file a 51A Report
- Understand what happens after a 51A Report is filed