Who is considered a permissive reporter in relation to child abuse reporting?

A permissive reporter refers to individuals who are not mandated by law to report suspected child abuse but who can choose to do so. In the context of the given question, a parent not employed as a school employee falls into the category of a permissive reporter because, while they may suspect abuse, they do not have a legal obligation to report it.

In contrast, individuals such as teachers, physicians working with children, and athletic coaches are classified as mandated reporters. This means they are legally required to report any suspicions or evidence of child abuse due to their professional roles and the nature of their interactions with children. Therefore, they have a higher responsibility when it comes to safeguarding children and ensuring reports are made when necessary. Understanding the distinction between mandated and permissive reporters is crucial in the context of child welfare and legal requirements surrounding child abuse reporting.