Does Brain Balance require franchisees and employees to report child abuse or neglect?
Brain_Balance Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
In some states, because you work directly with children, you and your employees who interact with children will be considered mandated reporters who are required to report instances of child abuse or neglect. You are required to operate your Franchised Business in accordance with the provisions of federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing wages, working conditions, health, sanitation, smoking, fire and safety, employment, discrimination, privacy, taxes, and environmental requirements.
Source: Item 1 — THE FRANCHISOR, AND ANY PARENTS, PREDECESSORS, AND AFFILIATES (FDD pages 8–10)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Brain Balance's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees and their employees may be mandated reporters of child abuse or neglect, depending on the state in which they operate. Because Brain Balance centers work directly with children, some states will consider franchisees and their employees who interact with children to be mandated reporters.
As a result, Brain Balance requires franchisees to operate their franchised business in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. These laws and regulations include those governing wages, working conditions, health, sanitation, smoking, fire and safety, employment, discrimination, privacy, taxes, and environmental requirements.
This means that prospective Brain Balance franchisees must familiarize themselves with the specific laws in their state regarding mandated reporting of child abuse and neglect. They must also ensure that their employees are aware of these requirements and trained on how to properly report any suspected instances of abuse or neglect. Failure to comply with these laws could result in legal penalties and damage to the franchisee's reputation.