Can your employer require you to report potential maltreatment to an internal designee before contacting anyone else?

In situations involving potential maltreatment, it is crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of the individuals in your care. Reporting mechanisms typically require that direct support professionals act swiftly to protect vulnerable populations, especially if there is a risk of immediate harm.

While some workplaces may have internal protocols that recommend reporting to an internal designee, these protocols cannot supersede legal obligations to report suspected abuse or neglect directly to the appropriate external authorities, such as law enforcement or child protective services. In many jurisdictions, laws mandate that certain professionals must report maltreatment immediately, and they are often legally protected when they do so.

Thus, while employers may encourage reporting to an internal designee to facilitate internal processes, they cannot require that it be done before reporting to legal authorities. The responsibility to ensure the immediate safety of individuals in vulnerable situations takes precedence over internal reporting protocols.