A mandatory reporter is an individual or agency who is required by state law to report any instance where he or she has reasonable cause to suspect that a child under the age of 18 has been abused or neglected.

Mandatory reporters must report the instance to the state's attorney of the county in which the child resides or is present, the Department of Social Services (DSS) or law enforcement officers.

Brookings Area United Way has been a foundational piece in Brookings receiving the first Resilient Community award in South Dakota. This award is through the Center for the Prevention of Child Maltreatment. This award includes community members being a mandatory reporter and working as a community to create a safe and knowledgeable community for children to grow up in.

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