PHX Reporter

Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell has highlighted the importance of mandatory reporting by school officials in a recent news conference. Joined by state Senator Carine Werner, Mitchell stressed the necessity for proper response to reports of child abuse.

“It is well-known that child abuse traumatizes children. Not responding properly to a report of child abuse can greatly increase that trauma," stated Mitchell. "Those who have or work with children—parents, teachers, coaches and others—have a duty under current Arizona law to report allegations of child abuse."

Mitchell pointed out instances where school personnel fail to notify local law enforcement and child safety authorities, emphasizing the need for immediate action. “That must stop. If you are working with children, you are obligated to protect them,” she added.

Senator Werner's bill, SB 1437, aims to clarify who is considered a mandated reporter and outlines procedures for reporting allegations of child abuse. The proposed legislation seeks to include substitute teachers and school board members as mandatory reporters and mandates direct reporting to law enforcement rather than just informing a school resource officer.

The bill also stipulates that student victims should be interviewed by specially trained forensic interviewers instead of school staff and expands whistleblower protections for those reporting abuse.

“When parents send their children off to school, they should have confidence in knowing they’ll be safe from sexual predators," said Werner. "SB 1437 will help protect students and ensure these individuals are held accountable under the full force of the law."

The bill recently passed out of the House Education committee and is set to proceed to the House floor.