System Failure — Why “Mandatory Reporting” Isn’t Protecting Our Kids In School

System Failure — Why “Mandatory Reporting” Isn’t Protecting Our Kids In School You might believe that when a teacher raises alarm, the system responds. But the truth is far darker. In this opening episode, legal expert Eric Faddis exposes why mandatory reporter laws—meant to protect children—so often fail in practice. Across every U.S. jurisdiction, educators are mandatory reporters. By law, they must act the moment they reasonably suspect child abuse or neglect. They’re protected from legal consequences if they report in good faith, even if it turns out to be a false alarm. And yet—schools regularly sideline these cases. They "investigate internally" rather than alert law enforcement or Child Protective Services. They treat serious, albeit unproven, concerns as HR issues instead of safeguarding crises. Giving a teacher the benefit of the doubt becomes a shield for predators. This episode peels back the curtain on how internal investigations are weaponized to avoid legal liability and bad press—not to protect students. We ask: what happens when mandated reporting becomes optional by omission? What recourse exists when districts are legally—but not morally—allowed to remain silent? Eric breaks down the difference between policy and enforcement. He explains how fear of reputation damage or lawsuits keeps schools from doing what’s legally—and ethically—required. If you’re tired of hearing “teachers aren’t protected” while seeing kids remain unsafe, hit play—and let’s begin pushing back. Hashtags #MandatoryReporting #SchoolSafety #PassingTheTrash #ProtectOurKids #TrueCrimePodcast #EducationLaw #ChildProtection #EricFaddis Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872