When must a mandated reporter make a report?

A mandated reporter must make a report of suspected child abuse if they have reasonable cause to suspect that a child is a victim of child abuse under any of the following circumstances: 

  • The mandated reporter comes into contact with the child in the course of employment, occupation and practice of a profession or through a regularly scheduled program, activity or service.
  • The mandated reporter is directly responsible for the care, supervision, guidance or training of the child, or is affiliated with an agency, institution, organization, school, regularly established church or religious organization or other entity that is directly responsible for the care, supervision, guidance or training of the child.
  • A person makes a specific disclosure to the mandated reporter that an identifiable child is the victim of child abuse. This specific circumstance includes when a mandated reporter is "on" or "off" the clock.
  • An individual 14 years of age or older makes a specific disclosure to the mandated reporter that the individual has committed child abuse.

Show All Answers

1. What is child abuse?
2. Are you a mandated reporter?
3. When must a mandated reporter make a report?
4. Must I report suspected abuse if I learn of the abuse from someone other than the child who was allegedly abused?
5. How does a mandated reporter make a report if they suspect child abuse?
6. Do I need to notify anyone within my institution, school, facility or agency after I make a report?
7. What if a mandated reporter fails to follow the law?
8. Can you report suspected child abuse if you are not a mandated reporter?
9. Am I protected from civil and criminal liability if I make a report of suspected child abuse?
10. If I make a report is my identity protected?
11. How do I know whether I have "reasonable cause to suspect" that a child is a victim of abuse?