Children and dependent adults in Iowa deserve the greatest possible protection from abuse. The Department of Human Services strives to achieve this through encouraging reports when abuse is suspected, prompt assessment of these reports, and working with families and supports to assist in providing a safe and stable home environment.

Mandatory reporters are essential partners in protecting children and dependent adults from abuse. As professionals who have frequent contact with children and dependent adults, mandatory reporters are trained to identify the signs that a child or and dependent adult may have suffered abuse or neglect.