Abstract
The purpose of this research study was to explore the lived experience of the mandated reporter. The research question for the study was as follows: What is the lived experience of the mandated reporter? This question was explored through the use of a qualitative research design, which in the case of this research project, included the use of interviews to obtain the necessary data to answer the research question. This research is important to the field of social work because all social workers are mandated reporters, whether they specifically work with children or not. The sample in this study consisted of two licensed social workers who have previously made reports to Child Protection Services. Of the two research participants, one was a Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) and the other was a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). Both individuals that were interviewed also happened to be school social workers, one in an elementary school and one in a high school. Findings of the research study revealed the following main themes: lack in training of mandated reporters; inadequacy in Child Protection Services addressing abuse concerns; need to involve other agencies when reporting abuse concerns; and lastly, mandated reporters often have a preference on child protection screeners. These findings reveal the need for future research to further address the topic of the lived experience of the mandated reporter. It is important to continuously address this topic, as mandated reporters and Child Protection Services are constantly working with one another.