AARP estimates that financial exploitation costs older Americans more than $28 billion each year. As of 2025, 16 states have sweeping reporting requirements that require nearly everyone who becomes aware of mistreatment to report it. And every state requires at least certain categories of people to report abuse. Mandatory reporting aims to overcome the many reasons people might otherwise stay silent such as fear of retaliation, reluctance to damage relationships, or simple unwillingness to get involved. By making reporting a legal duty, states hope to turn bystanders into protectors. Repealing mandatory reporting statutes may not be politically realistic but amending them is. States should reconsider blanket mandates and focus on situations where victims are at ongoing risk or are genuinely unable to act for themselves. Wisconsin’s approach, which allows would-be reporters to consider whether reporting is in the victim’s best interest, could be a model for other states seeking to achieve a better balance between protecting older adults on one hand, and respecting their privacy and right to self-determination on the other. Modernizing reporting mandates, however, is only the first step. Ultimately, the success of mandatory reporting laws depends on the strength of the systems that respond to reports when made. If APS lacks resources to investigate and offer services, or if the services offered have limited value, then reports (even if dutifully made) may not result in meaningful protection. Accordingly, it is important to think about how to expand the tools that are available to APS. One promising approach is being pioneered by the RISE Collaborative model. The approach pairs older adults who have experienced mistreatment with a professional “advocate” who helps the older adult embrace a desire for improvement and identify goals. The advocate can then work with the older adult to help achieve those goals including repairing relationships that may have been damaged by the abuse.