FARMINGTON — The Franklin County Children’s Task Force will host free professional training on mandated reporting from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15, in the Franklin Memorial Hospital Bass Room.

The training is part of a continued statewide effort to ensure all mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect receive the necessary training to better protect Maine’s children, according to a task force new release.

The in-person training is designed to instruct mandated reporters on important elements of the reporting process. The training covers why it is important to report child abuse or neglect, who is required to report it, how to recognize it, how to report, and what happens after a report is made.

“There is nothing more important than the safety of the children of Maine,” Renee Whitley, FCCTF’s executive director said, according to the release. “This training is essential for everyone with a child in their life to take, not just mandated reporters. We all play a key role in ensuring that, if a child appears to be in danger, action is taken to protect the child and put resources in place for the family to hopefully mitigate any long-term effects.”

Persons who are considered mandated reporters include public and private K-12 employees, teachers and officials, employees of public and private institutions of post-secondary and higher education, medical employees, child care workers, law enforcement officials, members of the clergy, mental health professionals and others, according to the release.

For more information or to register, call Stacie Bourassa at 778-6960, or email sbourassa@fcctf.org.

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