{"id":351608,"date":"2016-04-04T10:45:54","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:45:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/family\/child-abuse\/checklist-are-you-a-mandatory-reporter-of-child-abuse.html"},"modified":"2025-02-10T17:09:50","modified_gmt":"2025-02-10T22:09:50","slug":"checklist-are-you-a-mandatory-reporter-of-child-abuse","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-abuse\/checklist-are-you-a-mandatory-reporter-of-child-abuse.html","title":{"rendered":"Are You a Mandatory Reporter?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Are You a Mandatory Reporter?<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/lyle-therese-a-hilotin-lee-j-d\/\">Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/laura-temme-esq\/\">Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            February 10, 2025\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n    <div class=\"fl-callout-text article-blockquote\">\n        <p>Mandated reporters are individuals legally required to report suspected child abuse. This group typically includes professionals who frequently interact with children, such as teachers, healthcare workers, and childcare providers. They play a crucial role in identifying and reporting abuse to protect children&#8217;s welfare. State laws mandate these reporting requirements and offer protections for those who report in good faith, ensuring that children&#8217;s safety is prioritized without penalizing the reporter.<\/p>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n<p>Mandated reporters have the legal obligation to report cases of suspected child abuse or neglect. Whether you are a healthcare worker, a teacher, or other professionals working with children, it is important to understand your reporting duties.<\/p>\r\n<p>This article explains what is required of mandatory reporters and who is typically a mandatory reporter under state law. It also answers some frequently asked questions (FAQ) related to mandatory reporting.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>What Is a Mandated Reporter?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>A mandatory reporter is a person required by law to report suspected <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-abuse.html\" title=\"child abuse\">child abuse<\/a>.&nbsp;This can cover a variety of concerns, including:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Physical abuse<\/li>\r\n<li>Sexual abuse<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/domestic-violence.html\" title=\"Domestic violence\">Domestic violence<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li>Neglect<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Most mandatory reporters are people who work with children, like teachers or childcare workers.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>For many years, child abuse was underreported in the United States. In response, Congress passed the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.childwelfare.gov\/resources\/about-capta-legislative-history\/\" title=\"Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act<\/a> (CAPTA) in 1974. CAPTA provides federal funding to states to help support the investigation and prevention of child abuse. It also requires states to have mandatory reporting laws.<\/p>\r\n<p>So, state governments impose these requirements to protect child welfare and help ensure suspected child abuse is investigated. Those who fail to report or falsely report&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/child-abuse-overview.html\"><u>child abuse and neglect<\/u><\/a> can face fines and other penalties.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Who are Mandatory Reporters?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>A mandatory reporter of child abuse and neglect must report any knowledge or suspicion of child abuse. They are typically people whose jobs involve frequent encounters with children. Teachers, childcare workers, or pediatricians are typically mandatory reporters under state law.<\/p>\r\n<p>Due to the nature of their job, these professionals are in a position to observe the child&#8217;s well-being. Thus, they are more obligated to report suspected abuse and\/or neglect. In some states, however, anyone who is aware of or suspects child abuse and neglect must report it.<\/p>\r\n<p>If in doubt, contact your local <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-abuse\/child-abuse-information-by-state.html\" title=\"child protective services (CPS) agency\">child protective services (CPS) agency<\/a>. In some states, CPS is part of the Department of Health. Mandatory reporter training&nbsp;is also available online to assist reporters in spotting signs of child abuse and making a report.<\/p>\r\n<h3><b>Examples of Mandatory Reporters<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p>Each state has its own definitive list of mandatory reporters. Common mandatory reporters include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Daycare workers<\/li>\r\n<li>Dentists and hygienists<\/li>\r\n<li>Doctors<\/li>\r\n<li>Doctors&#8217; office staff persons<\/li>\r\n<li>Caregivers<\/li>\r\n<li>Clergy, such as ministers, priests, and rabbis<\/li>\r\n<li>Emergency medical technicians<\/li>\r\n<li>Family practitioners<\/li>\r\n<li>Family therapists<\/li>\r\n<li>Foster care workers<\/li>\r\n<li>Foster parents<\/li>\r\n<li>Health care providers<\/li>\r\n<li>Law enforcement officers<\/li>\r\n<li>Mental health professionals<\/li>\r\n<li>Medical examiners<\/li>\r\n<li>Nurses<\/li>\r\n<li>Police officers<\/li>\r\n<li>Psychiatrists and psychologists<\/li>\r\n<li>School employees and administrators<\/li>\r\n<li>Social workers<\/li>\r\n<li>Teachers and teachers&#8217; aides<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Although most people on the list are childcare providers and school personnel, anyone can report child abuse\/neglect. Child protection is a duty of all responsible citizens. Anyone who is not a mandatory reporter is known as a \u201cpermissive reporter.\u201d<\/p>\r\n<h3><b>Permissive Reporters<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p>Permissive reporters are encouraged to report child abuse cases, though they are not included in the mandatory list of reporters. They can be anyone, and they can file a report anytime there is suspected child abuse.<\/p>\r\n<p>The permissive reporter is not required to know that child abuse is present. Mere suspicion of child abuse is enough to file a report. As a permissive or voluntary reporter, you can also report anonymously.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Am I a Mandated Reporter Outside of Work?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>It depends. Some states require mandatory reporters to report suspected abuse whether they learn of it at work or when they&#8217;re off the clock. Others only require a person to report if they encounter suspected abuse in their professional capacity.<\/p>\r\n<p>However, if you are a mandated reporter, you should <a href=\"https:\/\/cwig-prod-prod-drupal-s3fs-us-east-1.s3.amazonaws.com\/public\/documents\/manda.pdf?VersionId=Gm9t7CW5XdPolnEMHHR3wCnsw782WZQ1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">report suspected cases<\/a> of child abuse and neglect whenever possible, even if you become aware of it outside of work.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>How Long Do I Have to Make a Report?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>It is best to immediately report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect<i>. <\/i>This is particularly true in cases where the child is at risk of maltreatment, abuse, or neglect.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Can I Report Anonymously?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Yes. Reporting is one of the most effective ways to stop child abuse. However, many people find it difficult to report to law enforcement authorities. For many people, retribution from the abuser is a serious concern.<\/p>\r\n<p>As a result, many states allow confidential reporting. Anonymous reporting helps the child welfare system, the Department of Human Services, and other proper authorities get information about the abuse. Meanwhile, the reporter can provide information without compromising their privacy and safety.<\/p>\r\n<p>Many states have a dedicated hotline <a href=\"https:\/\/www.childwelfare.gov\/state-child-abuse-and-neglect-reporting-numbers\/?rt=795\" title=\"where you can anonymously report suspected child abuse.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">where you can anonymously report suspected child abuse.<\/a> Witnesses of child abuse or neglect can also report the abuse by calling <a href=\"http:\/\/www.childhelp.org\/hotline\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the National Childhelp Hotline<\/a> at 1.800.4.A.CHILD (1.800.422.4453). You can also contact your local law enforcement.<\/p>\r\n<p>The U.S. <a href=\"https:\/\/childcare.gov\/consumer-education\/child-protective-services\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Child Protective Services<\/a> website offers further information about child abuse and neglect. If you are a mandated reporter, there is also a <a href=\"https:\/\/nochildabuse.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Mandated-Reporter-Form-ss008572.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">form that you can fill out<\/a> to report suspected child abuse.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>What are the Consequences of Failing to Report?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>There may be penalties and convictions if you fail to report child abuse or falsely report child abuse, such as the following:<\/p>\r\n<h3><b>Failure to Report Child Abuse and Neglect<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p>In almost all U.S. states and territories, a mandatory reporter who fails to report suspected child abuse or neglect can face criminal prosecution.<\/p>\r\n<p>For instance, in Florida, a mandated reporter with a reasonable cause to report child abuse but fails to do so can be charged with a felony. However, in most states, failure to report child abuse is a misdemeanor. Some states impose civil penalties (fines) as well.<\/p>\r\n<p>In some states, mandatory reporters who fail to report the abuse can even face jail time ranging from 30 days to 5 years. Other states may give&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.childwelfare.gov\/pubPDFs\/report.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>harsher penalties<\/u><\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>Failure to report can also result in a civil lawsuit.<\/p>\r\n<p>For example, take the case of <a href=\"https:\/\/caselaw.findlaw.com\/court\/ca-supreme-court\/1830393.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i>Landeros v. Flood<\/i><\/a><i> <\/i>in California<i>. <\/i>This case centered around a doctor who failed to report injuries related to child abuse in the 1970s. An 11-month-old was brought to Dr. Flood with a fractured leg that appeared to have been caused by a twisting force. The infant also had several bruises and a skull fracture that were in the process of healing.<\/p>\r\n<p>After examining her, Dr. Flood released the child to her parents and did not report the injuries to law enforcement. The child suffered further injuries at the hands of her parents. A few months later, a different doctor recognized these signs of child abuse and reported them to law enforcement.<\/p>\r\n<p>In 1976, the California Supreme Court held that Dr. Flood and other medical professionals could be held liable for failing to recognize and report possible child abuse.<\/p>\r\n<h3><b>Falsely Reporting Child Abuse<\/b><\/h3>\r\n<p>There are roughly 29 states that penalize <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-abuse\/do-s-and-don-ts-false-allegations-of-child-abuse.html\" title=\"false reporting of child abuse\">false reporting of child abuse<\/a>. Any person who intentionally makes a false report of child neglect or abuse can face a penalty or a fine. Social services can also file a civil action. They can also recover the cost of any proceedings or investigation related to the false reporting.<\/p>\r\n<p>Fines and penalties vary&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/family-laws\/child-abuse.html\"><u>depending on state law<\/u><\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Seek Legal Help and Protection<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Mandatory reporting laws are generally written to protect good-faith reporters of child abuse. In most states, you can also submit a report anonymously.<\/p>\r\n<p>But, if you want legal help and protection, it is best to talk to a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/family-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>family law attorney<\/u><\/a>&nbsp;near you. They can give you more information about your state&#8217;s law regarding child welfare and how to report suspected abuse or neglect. They will also help ensure the protection of your legal rights as a reporter.<\/p>\r\n<p>A&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/criminal-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>criminal defense attorney<\/u><\/a>&nbsp;in your state can advise you on the best course of action if you face a criminal charge for failing to report or submitting a false report of child abuse.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M6 21H3C2.46957 21 1.96086 20.7893 1.58579 20.4142C1.21071 20.0391 1 19.5304 1 19V12C1 11.4696 1.21071 10.9609 1.58579 10.5858C1.96086 10.2107 2.46957 10 3 10H6M13 8V4C13 3.20435 12.6839 2.44129 12.1213 1.87868C11.5587 1.31607 10.7956 1 10 1L6 10V21H17.28C17.7623 21.0055 18.2304 20.8364 18.5979 20.524C18.9654 20.2116 19.2077 19.7769 19.28 19.3L20.66 10.3C20.7035 10.0134 20.6842 9.72068 20.6033 9.44225C20.5225 9.16382 20.3821 8.90629 20.1919 8.68751C20.0016 8.46873 19.7661 8.29393 19.5016 8.17522C19.2371 8.0565 18.9499 7.99672 18.66 8H13Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" 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                    <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                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class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n        <div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    You can seek new child custody arrangements during an abuse case\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Child abuse can affect legal rights to custody\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    An attorney can help create orders of protection\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Always report suspected child abuse to law enforcement. 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