Who is a Mandatory Reporter?
In Vermont, Mandatory Reporters are all employees, contractors, volunteers, or grantees who directly provide health care, law enforcement, caregiving, counseling, education, or social services to adults.
What are the Requirements for Mandatory Reporters?
Mandatory reporters are required to make a report to Adult Protective Services (APS) when they suspect or receive information that a vulnerable adult has been or is being abused, neglected, or exploited. Mandatory reporters are required to report, even if they do not believe the information they have received alleging abuse, neglect or exploitation of a vulnerable adult is true.
Mandatory reporters are required to make a report within 48 hours of knowing or reasonably suspecting or receiving information about or alleging abuse, neglect or exploitation of a vulnerable adult. There are limited times when APS can share the identity of a mandated reporter, to include referrals to other investigative agencies. Mandatory reporters are required to submit reports in writing that includes:
1) The mandatory reporter’s name and address. (Mandatory reporters may not make anonymous reports.)
2) The name and address of the vulnerable adult, if known.
3) The name and address of the persons responsible for the care of the vulnerable adult, if known.
4) The age of the vulnerable adult and the nature of their disability, if known.
5) The nature and extent of the abuse, neglect, or exploitation of the vulnerable adult, to include any evidence of previous abuse, neglect, or exploitation, if known.
6) Any other information the mandatory reporter believes might be helpful in establishing the causes of the injuries or the reasons for the known, reasonably suspected or alleged abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Reporters may include in their report their opinions about the veracity of the information they received and are reporting to APS.
7) Any other information the mandatory reporter believes might be helpful in protecting the vulnerable adult.
Mandatory Reporter Training
In Person/Virtual
APS offers in-person/Video-Chat based training seminars to the staff of community-based providers and other community groups in an effort to prevent and reduce the abuse, neglect and exploitation of vulnerable adults. To register for this training, please email Kelly Greaves at Kelly.Greaves@vermont.gov
Online
APS has published Mandatory Reporters and Vulnerable Adults at YouTube. This online training matches the training that is provided in person. The training will help you learn reporting requirements from anywhere you have an Internet Connection.