Mandatory Reporting Of Child Sexual Abuse

What Is A Mandated Reporter?

A mandated reporter is an adult required by law to report suspected child abuse and neglect. These legally designated individuals are also sometimes referred to as mandatory reporters.

Most states name certain professions as mandated reporters. Usually, these designated professionals work closely with children. However, some states require all adults to report the suspected abuse of a minor.

Mandated reporting laws vary by state. Learn more about the specific laws in your state here.

Whom Do You Contact If You Suspect Child Sex Abuse?

State laws also determine how a mandated reporter should file a report of suspected abuse. Some of the more common reporting methods used in several states include:

• Reporting the abuse to a law enforcement agency
• Reporting the abuse to local child protective services
• Reporting the abuse to the state’s Department of Family and Child Services
• Reporting the abuse to a mandated reporting hotline

What Are Mandatory Reporters Required To Report?

A mandated reporter should include the following information in their report:

• Name of the suspected victim
• Age of the suspected victim
• Address where the suspected victim is living
• Name(s) of the suspected victim’s parent or guardians
• Type of abuse (e.g. physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect)
• Name(s) of the abuser
• Any information regarding the relationship between the abuser and the suspected victim 

Mandated reporters should include any other details that could prove useful to an investigation. However, they should not seek out further details or information. A mandated reporter isn’t an investigator or interrogator.

When Must A Mandatory Reporter Make A Child Abuse Report?

State laws determine how soon a mandated reporter is required to report suspected abuse. Some states require immediate reports. Other states give mandated reporters a 24 to 48-hour window. 

However, mandated reporters should make a report as soon as they have reasonable suspicion to believe a child is being abused or maltreated. This especially true if the child could be in imminent danger. If a victim is in danger, a mandated reporter should call local law enforcement immediately. 

Mandated reporters should never wait for further proof or concrete evidence to make a report. Reasonable suspicion is enough to make a “good faith” report.

Who Are Mandated Reporters?

The specific professions or criteria for mandated reporters are determined at the state level. Typically, states often designate professions dealing closely with children. 

The professions most often designated as mandated reporters include:

• Social workers
• School staff members, including teachers and principals
• Healthcare workers
• Mental health professionals
• Childcare providers
• Medical examiners or coroners
• Law enforcement officers

In 18 states and Puerto Rico, anyone who suspects child abuse is required to report it, regardless of their profession. Find out who is a designated reporter in your state here. However, anyone can and should report child abuse, regardless of their legal obligation.

Are Priests Mandated Reporters?

28 states and Guam list clergy members as mandated reporters. However, many of these states also honor “clergy-penitent privilege.” In some states, because of this legal privilege, clergy members may legally withhold information about child abuse disclosed during confidential pastoral communications. 

For example, a Catholic priest who learns of abuse during the sacrament of confession is legally allowed to keep the communication confidential. Many religious advocates believe breaking this confidentiality goes against their faith’s doctrines. 

However, this legal privilege typically protects an abuser over a victim.

Are Teachers Mandated Reporters?

Teachers are commonly designated as mandated reporters because they work with minors. For this same reason, coaches, principals and other school staff may also be mandated reporters.

Additional Mandated Reporter FAQs

Can A Mandated Reporter Make A Report Anonymously?

Approximately 19 states require mandated reporters to include their name and contact information during some part of the reporting process. 

However, some states with mandatory reporting hotlines allow individuals to report abuse anonymously. 

Regardless of whether it’s required, it can be helpful to an investigation to have the name and contact information of the reporter. An investigator may call a reporter to clarify details of a report or ask follow-up questions. 

The contact information of a reporter is confidential and legally protected.

Are You A Mandated Reporter When You Are Off The Job?

More than 30 states list specific professions in their mandatory reporting laws. In these states, mandated reporters are only required to report a suspicion of child abuse identified while in a professional capacity. 

However, some states list specific professions and require all citizens to report suspected abuse. In these states, mandated reporters should report all suspected abuse, regardless of where the suspected abuse is discovered.

What Happens If A Mandated Reporter Doesn’t Report?

A mandated reporter who fails to report suspected abuse risks legal consequences. These consequences vary by state. Typically, a failure to report can result in monetary fines or jail time. 

In the state of Florida, a mandated reporter who fails to report abuse can be charged with a felony. 

Learn about the consequences in your state here.

Do Mandatory Reporters Have To Report Past Abuse?

Whether you are required to report past abuse varies by state. Some states require mandated reporters to report past abuse if the victim is still a minor. 

However, many state laws do not address reporting past abuse at all, leaving the issue up to the reporter. In these cases, reporting past abuse may become an ethical decision versus a legal one. Reporting past abuse or neglect may help stop an abuser and protect future victims.