This is an excellent post Hive account@practicalthought! Mandatory reporters are like cougars, waiting to pounce at the first sign of a problem.

I was in a shelter once where the employees were mandatory reporters, and they would just stand by and watch while the kids were playing in the playroom, waiting for something to happen.

Another time we took our kids to head-start for our at the time 4 year old, before the school year started. It was some kind of open house to meet her new teachers. There were snacks and refreshments there, and my 8 year old went for the pretzels. I hastily said, "No, Naomi, you can't have those." Two women rushed up from outside of the room and stood in the doorway, all alarmed. I continued, "I have supper in the Crock-Pot, and I don't want you to spoil your appetite." It was the truth too, aside from the fact that bowl of pretzels probably was teeming with germs from all the kids that came before us. They looked at each other knowingly as if saying Ok, she's fine. Then they went away. I'm convinced they were mandatory reporters.

Yes, being poor definitely puts one at risk. They prey on the weak and vulnerable...

Kind of disappointed you won't be writing for family protection anymore. I would've liked to see what else you could dig up. I understand though. Much love. :)