How Arizona’s new ‘mandatory reporting’ law aims to protect children from abuse
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Maricopa County’s top prosecutor is applauding the state Legislature’s passage of Senate Bill 1437.
“My office has received far too many reports of a child who told a teacher or School Resource Officer (SRO) what had happened to them, but the case couldn’t be pursued because there were so many errors in the way the interview of the child was conducted, or the investigation was handled. Now, we have a law that sets forth a precise process so we can advocate for and protect these kids,” said Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell.
SB 1437 spells out how child abuse, including sex abuse, neglect, and injury, must be reported. It also expands the list of “mandatory reporters.”
According to county officials, while there is a current list of people, like parents and guardians, who are required to report suspicions of child abuse, the new law also adds substitute teachers and school board members to that list, all while adding clear rules for reporting abuse allegations.
In particular, school employees must directly report abuse to law enforcement and the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Mentioning the incident to a school resource officer does not satisfy the reporting aspect. The victims must also be interviewed by trained forensics interviewers, not school faculty.
If the abuse involves school faculty, employees, or contractors, it must also be reported to the Arizona State Board of Education within 72 hours.
The new law also expands whistleblower protection for school staff and faculty who report allegations of abuse.
“I am deeply grateful to Senator Carine Werner who recognized the need, sponsored this bill, and worked hard to gain its passage. I also thank Governor Hobbs for seeing the value in this legislation and signing it into law,” added Mitchell.
Earlier this year, Arizona’s Family reported about concerns that the reporting requirements could subject innocent teachers to public scrutiny, even if charges aren’t filed.
Werner addressed that concern saying, “Actually with this law in place there is a path of reporting now and so less people would find out about it. And if there was something that was reported that was questionable that person is not going to be talked about.”
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs’ signed the bill into law this week. The new law takes effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns for the year.
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