GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA (WSPA) – The role of a mandatory reporter in South Carolina seems simple at first glance, but can prove complicated in practice for some professionals.

According to the South Carolina Department of Social Services, “South Carolina law requires certain professionals to report known or suspected cases of child abuse or neglect because they have unique opportunities to observe and interact with children.”

Dr. Roger Rhoades, a 37-year psychotherapist in Greenville, said some professionals may be hesitant to report it.

“That's why some people who serve as jurors don't report for jury duty. There's a certain amount of obligation that comes with it,” Rhoades said. “There's a certain amount of commitment that comes with it and these days some people are hesitant to get involved.”

There are eight categories of professionals who must submit reports to the competent authorities:

• Healthcare professionals: doctors, nurses, dentists, opticians, forensic or coroner doctors or their staff, emergency services, mental health professionals or allied health professionals
• Educational professionals: teachers, counselors, school principals, school inspectors
• Social or public service professionals: drug treatment workers, child care workers, foster parents
• Legal professionals: Police or law enforcement officers, juvenile justice workers, volunteer non-attorney guardians on behalf of the South Carolina Guardian ad Litem program or on behalf of Richland County CASA, judges
• Undertakers, funeral directors or their employees
• Film processors
• Computer technician
• Clergy, including Christian Science or religious healers (subject to confidential communications laws)

According to the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office, “persons required to report do not need to have conclusive evidence that a child has been abused or neglected before reporting the abuse or neglect to appropriate authorities.”

For Rhoades, mandatory reporting is an important tool that everyone should use.

“Without the reporting requirement [children are] “You become a victim of the perpetrator and a victim of a system that silences him,” Rhoades said.

He said it was up to those required to report to ensure that the courage of victims who spoke out was recognised.

“This is important because abuse brings shame and shame keeps people from speaking up,” Rhoades said.

Regardless of the age of the person who confides in a reporting person, such signs should always be taken seriously.

“Facts follow, when a child addresses it, it is a huge mountain that they have climbed and [you should] “Look at it. Clear it. Believe it first, clear it later,” Rhoades said.

To report suspected child abuse or neglect, call the SCDSS toll-free 24-hour hotline at 1-888-CARE4US or 1-888-227-3487. This hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Intake staff will assist the reporting person and review the information provided to determine if an investigation is necessary. You can also click or tap here to file a report.