Instructors with the Children's Law Center School of Law at the University of South Carolina conducted the training at Poynor Adult Education Center in Florence Wednesday morning.
About 60 people took part in the event.
South Carolina law requires that certain professionals report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect.
These professionals include doctors, nurses, dentists, optometrists, EMT's, mental health, allied health, clergy, teachers, counselors, principals, assistant principals, social workers, public assistance workers, substance treatment staff, childcare workers, law enforcement, undertakers, funeral directors and staff, film processors, computer technicians and judges.
During the training, they found out as mandated reporters it's their responsibility to not only report physical and sexual abuse, but educational and medical neglect as well.
"So many people misunderstand the reporting laws. They don't necessarily intentionally not report, but they don't know what the responsibilities are. They fail to make a report when they should," said Mary Everhart, Children's Law Center.
Mandated reporters must report to the county Department of Social Services or to law enforcement in the county where the child lives or is found.
Law enforcement and officials with the Department of Social Services must keep the identity of the person making the report confidential.
A person who is required to report and fails to do so is guilty of a misdemeanor and could be fined up to 500 dollars and jailed for six months.
