Child care providers play a critical role in keeping children safe. They are required to attend this Iowa-specific training to learn how to identify the signs of child abuse and the steps needed to report incidents.
A recorded training for DS 169 Child Abuse Mandatory Reporter Training is available online here.
Review the MCART Technical Assistance Guidance form to assist with navigation through creating an account, logging in and accessing the training page. Please follow these step-by-step instructions before directing any additional questions regarding Mandatory Reporter training to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services at: mandatoryreporter@dhs.state.ia.us
MCART Link
Children in Iowa deserve the greatest possible protection from abuse. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) strives to achieve this through encouraging reports when abuse is suspected, prompt assessment of these reports, and working with families to assist in providing a safe and stable home environment. Mandatory reporters are essential partners in protecting children from abuse. As professionals who have frequent contact with children, mandatory reporters are trained to identify the signs that a child may have suffered abuse or neglect.
It’s everyone’s responsibility to report suspected child abuse. However the law, Iowa Code section 232.69, defines some professionals as mandatory reporters.
Although anyone can report child abuse and are encouraged to do so, mandatory reporters are required by law to make a report of suspected child abuse within 24 hours of becoming aware of the concern(s).