The role of a mandatory reporter in South Carolina

GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA (WSPA) – The role of a mandatory reporter in South Carolina appears simple on the surface but it can be complicated for some professionals when needed to be put into practice.

According to the South Carolina Department of Social Services, “South Carolina law requires that certain professionals report known or suspected cases of child abuse or neglect, because they have unique opportunities to observe and interact with children.”

Dr. Roger Rhoades, a Greenville-based mental health therapist of 37 years, said some professionals may be hesitant to report.

“It’s why some people who have jury duty, don’t report for jury duty. There’s a certain amount of obligation involved,” said Rhoades. “There’s a certain amount of involvement involved and in this day and age, some people are hesitant to be involved.”

There are eight categories of professionals that must submit reports to the proper authorities:

• Healthcare professionals: physicians, nurses, dentists, optometrists, medical examiners or coroners or their employees, emergency medical services, mental health or allied health professionals
• Educational professionals: teachers, counselors, principals, school attendance officers
• Social or public assistance professionals: substance abuse treatment staff, childcare workers, foster parents
• Legal professionals: police or law enforcement officers, juvenile justice workers, volunteer non-attorney guardians serving on behalf of the South Carolina Guardian ad Litem program or on behalf of Richland County CASA, judges
• Undertakers, funeral home directors, or their employees
• Film processors
• Computer technicians
• Clergy, including Christian Science Practitioners or religious healers (subject to laws governing privileged communication)

According to the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office: “mandatory reporters need not have conclusive proof that a child has been abused or neglected prior to reporting abuse or neglect to the proper authorities.”

For Rhoades, the mandatory reporting system is an important tool that should be utilized by everyone.

“Without the mandatory reporting [children are] victimized by the predator and victimized by a system that keeps it quiet,” said Rhoades.

He said it’s up to the mandatory reporters to see that the courage victims show by speaking up is validated.

“It’s important because abuse brings with it shame and shame keeps people’s mouths closed,” said Rhoades.

No matter the age of the person confiding in a mandatory reporter, it should always be taken seriously if the signs are there.

“Facts follow, if a kid brings it up, it’s a huge mountain they’ve climbed and [you should] check it out. Clear it. Believe it first, clear it later,” said Rhoades.

To report suspected child abuse or neglect, contact the SCDSS 24-hour, toll-free hotline at 1-888-CARE4US or 1-888-227-3487. This hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Intake staff will assist the person making the report and assess the information provided to determine if an investigation is necessary. You can also click or tap here to file a report.