Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect - Mississippi

Professionals Required to Report
Citation: Ann. Code § 43-21-353

The following professionals are required to report: 

• Physicians, dentists, interns, residents, or nurses 
• Public or private school employees or child caregivers 
• Psychologists, social workers, family protection workers, or family protection specialists
• Attorneys, ministers, or law enforcement officers

Training Requirements for Mandatory Reporters

Training requirements for mandatory reporters are not addressed in the laws and policies reviewed. 

Information about reporting requirements can be found on the Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect webpage of the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services. The topics discussed include the following:

• Definitions of child maltreatment
• A list of mandatory reporters
• An overview of the reporting process
• The information needed for a report

Reporting by Other Persons
Citation: Ann. Code § 43-21-353

All other persons who have reasonable cause to suspect that a child is a neglected child, an abused child, or a victim of commercial sexual exploitation or human trafficking must report. 

Institutional Responsibility to Report
Citation: Ann. Code § 43-21-353

If the Department of Child Protection Services determines that a parent or other person responsible for the care or welfare of an abused or neglected child maintains active-duty status within the military, the department shall notify the applicable military installation family advocacy program that there is an allegation of abuse or neglect that relates to that child. 

Standards for Making a Report
Citation: Ann. Code § 43-21-353

A report is required when a person has reasonable cause to suspect that a child is a neglected child, an abused child, or a victim of commercial sexual exploitation or human trafficking. 

Privileged Communications

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed. 

Inclusion of the Reporter's Name in the Report
Citation: Ann. Code § 43-21-353

The report shall include the name and address of all witnesses, including the reporter if they are a material witness to the abuse. 

Disclosure of the Reporter's Identity
Citation: Ann. Code § 43-21-353

The identity of the reporting party shall not be disclosed to anyone other than law enforcement officers or prosecutors without an order from the appropriate youth court. 

The department may disclose a reporter's identity to the appropriate law enforcement agency or prosecutor if the department has reason to suspect the reporter has made a fraudulent report. The department must provide to the subject of the alleged fraudulent report written notification of the disclosure.