Under state law, a mandated reporter must report information to a local welfare agency or law enforcement when:
- They have reason to believe a child is being maltreated
- The child has been maltreated within the preceding three years
Mandated reporters may report abuse or neglect that is beyond the required three-year time limit.
People who must report
Mandated reporters include those working in the following professions:
- Healing arts
- Social services
- Health care and hospital administration
- Psychological or psychiatric treatment
- Child care (including unlicensed providers)
- Education
- Members of the clergy
- Corrections and probation
- Guardian ad litem
- Law enforcement
What must be reported
Mandated reporters are required to make a report when they obtain information while performing professional duties that gives them reason to believe that children were or are being maltreated by a person responsible for the child's care.
Oral reports are required immediately, followed by a written report. To complete a written report, fill out the
Child Maltreatment Reporting Form.
Reporting neglect and abuse
A mandated reporter must report to the local police department, the county sheriff, or the local county social services agency. These agencies are required to cross report to one other.
Failure to report
If a mandated reporter fails to report, the person could be criminally charged.
Mandated reporters protections
Mandated reporters are immune from liability for any report made in good faith. An employer cannot retaliate against a mandated reporter for making a good faith report. The identity of a mandated reporter is maintained as confidential information and is not released without a court order.