Mandatory and Permissive Reports

A Victim Counselor (915.20A) is not identified as a mandatory reporter under Iowa law (232.69). A Victim Counselor, however, may be a permissive reporter. A permissive reporter is defined in Iowa law (232.69(2)) as, “any other person who believes that a child has been abused.” A permissive reporter may make a report of child abuse to the Department of Human Services, County Attorney, or law enforcement agency. Decisions to report should be made in accordance with agency policy, with adherence to the “Release” provisions noted below.