Children’s Rights (“CR”) is looking for young people (18 - 30 years old) with lived experience in the child welfare system to share their reflections on the role of mandated reporters and thoughts about reporting practices. If you could say anything at all to a mandated reporter, what would you say?
I. BACKGROUND
A mandated reporter is a person who is legally required to report any suspicion of child abuse or neglect to the authorities. Reporting child maltreatment became the focus of child welfare policy in the 1960s, when the Children’s Bureau placed a clear emphasis on reporting of child abuse by physicians with the goal of encouraging identification of children in crisis and increasing child protection and safety. Since the 60s, states have expanded the scope of these laws to include other professionals, such as teachers, in their reporting statutes and broadened the network of professionals required to surveil families. Today, as recognition of the detrimental effects of legal and social systems on marginalized communities grows, parents and advocates are expressing the harm caused by mandated reporting statutes. With mandated reporting under the spotlight, it is critical to learn from young people with experience in the child welfare system, who have been impacted by mandated reporting laws. Their opinions, stories, and experiences are a critical part of understanding how such policies affect children and their families.
II. INSTRUCTIONS & COMPENSATION
Participants will submit answers to the above prompt in the form of a letter or artwork, and can include a photo of themselves to accompany their submission. CR's Advocacy & Policy Team will provide editing and/or feedback on submissions, if requested by participants.
Each participant selected will receive a $50 stipend for submitting either a letter or artwork. Participant’s submissions will be shared on CR's social media and website. If anyone would like to participate under a “pen name” or anonymously, there is a section of the form where they can provide that information.
III. CONFIDENTIALITY
CR will adhere to any individual's request to share their work under a "pen name" or anonymously. Additionally, while submissions may draw from personal experiences, we request that participants do not include identifiable information, such as anyone else’s name, in their submission.
IV. NEXT STEPS
If you are interested in participating, please complete the form below. Once you submit, we will reach out shortly with more information.
