Final answer:
A mandated reporter is legally liable when they neglect to report suspected child abuse or neglect, potentially resulting in penalties and contributing to ongoing harm to the child.
Step-by-step explanation:
A mandated reporter is legally liable when they fail to report a suspicion of child abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities. Mandated reporters, who are often professionals such as teachers, law enforcement personnel, and social services staff, have a legal obligation to report any such suspicions. The liability arises because non-reporting can result in continued harm to a child who is being abused, and as failure to report is a violation of the laws that protect children.
For instance, schools may be held legally liable if they ignore or tolerate sexual harassment, which is a form of abuse. To avoid this liability, educational institutions like The College of William and Mary and Williams College establish strict codes of conduct that forbid any sexual contact between teachers and students, and they take measures to prevent conflicts of interest in relationships. When mandated reporters do not fulfill their duty, they are not only legally accountable but also contribute to systemic discrimination by allowing abuse to continue unchecked.