Who is a mandated reporter and what is their responsibility?

Anyone who works with children and suspects a child is being abused is a mandated reporter. People required to report child abuse include, but are not limited to:

  • School administrators, teachers, and nurses
  • Social services workers
  • Day-care center workers or child-care/foster-care workers
  • Doctors
  • Nurses
  • Hospital personnel who admit, examine, care for or treat children
  • Members of the clergy
  • Mental health professionals
  • Law enforcement

Mandated reporters of child abuse should call Childline (1-800-932-0313) immediately after receiving a report of child abuse or when they suspect child abuse. In the event of an emergency, a mandated reporter should contact the police. 

A mandated reporter who intentionally fails to contact authorities is committing a criminal offense. Mandated reporters who, in good faith, make a report of child abuse, cooperate with an investigation, testify in court proceedings, take photographs, or remove a child to protective custody, have immunity from any civil or criminal liability.

Show All Answers

1. What is the Children’s Advocacy Center?
2. What is child abuse?
3. Who is a mandated reporter and what is their responsibility?
4. What should I do if a student tells me they are being abused?
5. What is Childline?
6. What is CYF?
7. What is the Crime Victims’ Center (CVC)?
8. What is a forensic interviewer?
9. How is a forensic interview conducted?
10. What is the multidisciplinary team (MDT)?
11. Will my child see their abuser at the Justice Center or in the CAC?
12. What if my child needs mental health help?
13. If my child was abused, how soon should he/she see a doctor?
14. What kind of medical examination will my child need if he/she was sexually abused?
15. How will the criminal justice system handle my child’s abuser?