A report should be made when there is a reasonable cause to believe that a child or adolescent has been abused or neglected or is in danger of being abused. A report of suspected child abuse is only a request for an investigation. The person making the report does not need to prove the abuse. Investigation and validation of child abuse and/or neglect is the responsibility of child protective service workers and law enforcements officials.
Who can report?
Anyone can report child abuse including children. A person making a report in good faith is immune from both civil and criminal liability. The identity of the reporting person is confidential and only subject to disclosure with the consent of the reporting person or by judicial process.
In addition, there are many professionals who MUST report child abuse according to the Child Protection Law. They are called mandated reporters. A physician, physician assistant, dentist, dental hygienist, medical examiner, nurse, emergency medical care worker, psychologist, marriage or family therapist, social worker, member of the clergy, law enforcement officer, child care worker, school administrator, school counselor or teacher who has reason to believe a child under 18 has been abused, is mandated by law to report the suspected abuse. Failure to do so is a crime.
Notification to a supervisor does not relieve the mandated reporter’s obligation to report child abuse to Children’s Protective Services.
When reporting, the following information will be requested…
- Name, age and gender of the child and family members
- Description of suspected abuse
- Current condition of child
- Address, phone numbers and/or directions to child’s home
How To Report?
A report can be made at any Department of Human Services Office, formerly known as FIA. Click here for a list of local reporting agencies
What Happens To The Report?
A social worker from DHS and/or law enforcement agency will investigate the reported abuse. The investigation will result in one of the following conclusions: abuse or neglect ruled out, uncertain findings, or abuse and neglect confirmed. In confirmed cases a service plan is developed to prevent the reoccurrence of abuse to the child. If additional incidents of abuse occur after the initial report has been made, it is very important to make another report.