Each State has laws requiring certain people to report concerns of child abuse and neglect. While some States require all people to report their concerns, many States identify specific professionals as mandated reporters; these often include social workers, medical and mental health professionals, teachers, and child care providers. Specific procedures are usually established for mandated reporters to make referrals to child protective services.
Clergy as Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect
Series Title |
State Statutes |
Author(s) |
Child Welfare Information Gateway |
Availability |
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Download (PDF - 333KB)
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Year Published |
2019 |
Discusses laws that require members of the clergy to report cases of suspected child abuse and neglect. The issue of whether a member of the clergy can claim privileged communications as a reason for not reporting also is discussed. Full-text excerpts of laws for all States and U.S. territories are included.
Cross-Reporting Among Responders to Child Abuse and Neglect
Series Title |
State Statutes |
Author(s) |
Child Welfare Information Gateway |
Availability |
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Download (PDF - 767KB)
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Year Published |
2016 |
Discusses State laws that authorize cross-reporting and information sharing among the agencies that must respond to reports of suspected child abuse or neglect. Typically, reports are shared among social services agencies, law enforcement departments, and prosecutors' offices. Full-text excerpts of laws for all States and U.S. territories are included.
Forensic Evaluations and Mandated Reporting of Child Abuse
Kapoor & Zonana (2010)
Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, 38(1)
Explains complications that can result when psychiatrists work in a forensic setting. The article reviews statutes across States, outlines arguments for and against reporting, reviews solutions, and suggests recommendations for negotiating this dilemma.
Penalties for Failure to Report and False Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect
Series Title |
State Statutes |
Author(s) |
Child Welfare Information Gateway |
Availability |
View
Download (PDF - 333KB)
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Year Published |
2019 |
Discusses laws that impose penalties, in the form of fines, jail time, or both, on mandatory reporters who fail to report cases of suspected child abuse and neglect as required by the reporting laws. State laws also may impose penalties on any person who knowingly makes a false report of abuse or neglect. Summaries of laws for all States and U.S. territories are included.
The Role of Educators in Preventing and Responding to Child Abuse and Neglect
Author(s) |
Office on Child Abuse and Neglect, Children's Bureau Crosson-Tower, Cynthia. |
Availability |
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Download (PDF - 3,665KB)
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Year Published |
2003 |
This manual, designed to examine the roles that teachers, school counselors, school social workers, school nurses, special education professionals, administrators, and other school personnel have in helping maltreated children, provides the basis for the involvement of educators in combating the problem of child abuse and neglect. It also may be used by other professionals involved in child abuse and neglect interventions, such as child protective services, mental health, law enforcement, health care, and early childhood professionals, to gain a better understanding of the role of educators in child protection. Specifically, this manual addresses the following topics: Identifying reasons why educators are concerned; Recognizing child abuse and neglect; Reporting child abuse and neglect; Providing support after the report; and Preventing child abuse and neglect. Appendices include an educators' checklist for recognizing possible child maltreatment and a sample report of suspected child abuse and neglect.
The Role of First Responders in Child Maltreatment Cases: Disaster and Nondisaster Situations
Author(s) |
Office on Child Abuse and Neglect, Children's Bureau Cage, Richard.;Salus, Marsha K. |
Availability |
View
Download (PDF - 1,402KB)
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Year Published |
2010 |
This manual is for professionals, such as emergency medical technicians, child protective services caseworkers, and law enforcement officers, who have the primary responsibility for the initial on-scene response to situations in which child abuse or neglect may have occurred. The manual describes the various types of child maltreatment and the signs that may indicate that maltreatment has occurred, provides an overview of the initial response and investigation in cases of suspected maltreatment, explains how first responders should prepare for and provide testimony in court for maltreatment cases, and outlines how first responders and their agencies can respond to child maltreatment cases in emergencies and disasters, including how to prepare for such situations.
The Role of Professional Child Care Providers in Preventing and Responding to Child Abuse and Neglect
Author(s) |
Office on Child Abuse and Neglect, Children's Bureau Karageorge, Kathy;Kendall, Rosemary |
Availability |
View
Download (PDF - 982KB)
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Year Published |
2008 |
This manual provides information on the roles and responsibilities of child care providers in preventing, recognizing, and reporting child abuse and neglect within and outside early childhood programs. It also presents an overview of prevention efforts, reporting laws, caring for maltreated children, and ways to support parents and professionals who work with families.
State Child Abuse Reporting Numbers
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Related Organizations Lists |
Author(s) |
Child Welfare Information Gateway |
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This list provides statewide toll-free telephone numbers for reporting child abuse and neglect. It also includes links to State child welfare agency websites, which provide information on how and where to make a report of suspected child abuse and neglect.
State Guides and Manual Search
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Links to State publications that describe child welfare services and provide guidance to professionals and families.
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