If you are a mandated reporter, there may come a time when you are required to file a report for suspected abuse or neglect. Whether you are a teacher, nurse, social worker, law-enforcement officer, clergy member, or any other professional named in your state’s mandated reporting laws, reporting possible maltreatment is a serious responsibility.
Does the Situation Meet Your State’s Definition of Abuse or Neglect?
Each state has specific laws that define child abuse, neglect, who are mandated reporters, and guidelines for reporting. Before you report, it’s important to understand the guidelines for your state, because they may be different from those in another state.
Use our state-by-state database to find the mandated reporter guidelines for your state.
Does this meet the legal definition of child maltreatment in my state?
Physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, general neglect, severe neglect, exploitation, and trafficking are common reportable forms of child maltreatment. State definitions can evolve over time, however, so it’s important to understand what constitutes abuse or neglect in your location.
Review your state law, retake a mandated reporter training course, or reference your employer’s mandated-reporter policy if you need a refresher.
Would another professional with my training reach the same conclusion?
Reasonable suspicion is typically the legal standard for making a report. You do not need hard proof, but you must be able to articulate observable facts, statements, or patterns that a peer would also find concerning.
If another professional with your level of training would expect to reach the same conclusion, that meets the reasonable suspicion threshold.
Is the child currently at substantial risk of serious physical harm or illness?
If you failed to step in and do something, would the child be at serious risk for harm? This can be a valuable question to ask yourself when determining whether to report or not.
If a child is in imminent danger, immediate action is required. If their health or safety is at stake from the actions or inaction of someone else, call 911.
When in doubt, you may want to consult, but don’t delay. Document the consultation in your notes.
Know Your Reporting Requirements
All 50 states, D.C., and the U.S. territories require mandated reporters to make an initial report as soon as practicable, which is often “immediately,” “within the same business day,” or “within 24 hours.”
Because each jurisdiction structures its system differently, you’ll want to confirm the following for your state:
- Initial report: By phone or online portal, immediately or within 24 hours.
- Follow-Up: Written or electronic form within 36-48 hours of the call.
- Dual-reporting or cross-reporting: Some states may require reports to multiple agencies.
- Penalties: Most states levy civil fines and/or criminal penalties for failing to report.
Find state child abuse and neglect reporting numbers at childwelfare.gov.
Prepare the Information
Be prepared to provide as much information as possible when you file your report. Generally, you will need to let an agency know who the child is, what sort of maltreatment or danger you suspect, and other identifying information, such as their home address, if you have it. You may also have to provide information about the alleged perpetrator, as well as your information. While some states allow anonymous reports, most will take your information.
Gather what you know; do not delay reporting while you search for every detail. Hotlines understand that information is often incomplete.
Reporting information may include:
- Child’s full name, age, and current location.
- Parent or caregiver names and household address.
- Nature of suspected maltreatment: what you saw, heard, or were told, including dates, injuries, or patterns.
- Alleged perpetrator’s identity and relationship, if known.
- Immediate safety concerns, such as weapons in the home, threats, medical needs, and access to the child.
- Siblings or other children who may also be at risk.
- Injuries, indicators, or red flags you’ve documented.
- Your name, professional role, agency/school, and best phone number.
- Any steps you have already taken, such as notifying the principal, contacting the nurse, or consulting with a supervisor.
Reminder: Your notes may become legal records. Stick to observable facts and neutral language; avoid speculation or diagnostic labels.
Report, But Do Not Investigate
Mandated reporters sometimes hesitate because they feel they don’t have enough evidence to prove that maltreatment has occurred. Your responsibility as a reporter is to understand what maltreatment is, understand what reasonable suspicion is, and know how to report. It is never your role to investigate and find proof of maltreatment.
Once you file a report, child-protective investigators and/or law enforcement will investigate. This process generally involves the following steps:
- Screen the intake to decide if it meets legal criteria.
- Assign a response time (immediate, 24 hours, five days, etc.).
- Conduct interviews, home visits, medical exams, and safety assessments.
- Coordinate services, court orders, or removal/placement if necessary.
If you conduct an unofficial investigation, you risk interfering with the actual investigative process, contaminating evidence, or even putting the child at greater risk. Understand your responsibilities, make a report, and let trained investigators handle the rest.
How to Report Child Abuse: Quick Facts
- Reasonable suspicion is enough to trigger a report.
- Act quickly. Most states require an immediate phone call, followed by written documentation.
- Provide clear facts. Good information helps screeners prioritize safety.
- Leave investigations to professionals. Your job ends once you’ve filed.
- Know your state specifics. Hotlines, forms, and cross-report rules differ.
- Training can help you stay informed of updated laws and requirements.
