April 9, 2026 – Palmer, Massachusetts – Staff from Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni’s Office recently partnered with the Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical School District to provide a comprehensive training on the proper procedures for filing a 51A report and responding to suspected child abuse or neglect.

Under Massachusetts law, a 51A report is a mandated notification made to the Department of Children and Families (DCF) when there is reasonable cause to believe that a child is suffering physical or emotional injury resulting from abuse or neglect. Teachers, school staff, medical professionals, and other designated “mandated reporters” are legally required to file these reports when such concerns arise.

The session, attended by more than 150 educators and staff across the district, was led by Assistant District Attorney Eileen Sears, Chief of the DA’s Special Victims Unit (SVU). Sears walked participants through the “do’s and don’ts” of 51A reporting, including how to respond when a student discloses abuse, whether it involves family members, peers, or others. She also reviewed when and how to contact authorities, and how to preserve important information while following appropriate legal and ethical steps. Sears emphasized the importance of first assessing a child’s immediate safety, while also paying close attention to how a child communicates a disclosure. This includes their demeanor, emotional state, and any observable signs of distress, all of which are critical to document when making a report.

Educators engaged in a thoughtful question and answer session, raising real-world scenarios they may encounter in school settings. Sears reinforced that the responsibility of mandated reporters is not to investigate, but to report concerns promptly and appropriately, even in cases where there may be uncertainty about how a report will be received.

Sears also noted that within Hampden County alone, between 50 and 100 51A reports are filed each week, underscoring both the prevalence and seriousness of these cases.

Gulluni praised the collaboration, “Our educators are often the first to see when something isn’t right. Making sure they understand their role as mandated reporters, and feel confident acting on that responsibility, is critical to protecting children. These trainings are about giving them the clarity and support they need to step in when it matters most.”

The Hampden District Attorney’s Office continues to partner with local school districts, law enforcement, and community organizations to provide free trainings and resources that support child safety and mandated reporting across Hampden County. Schools interested in hosting a similar presentation are encouraged to contact Gina Anselmo, Deputy Director of the Community Safety and Outreach Unit, at gina.anselmo@mass.gov.