Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse

Children are too often the victims of sexual violence, neglect, and other forms of abuse. RAINN is committed to protecting vulnerable children against sexual violence, and to publicizing the resources available to help meet the needs of child victims.

All 50 states require that professionals who work with children report reasonable suspicions of abuse. State laws vary, however, regarding what must be reported, to whom, by whom, and by when. Some states require that anyone with suspicions report them. Information about each state's requirements can be found in RAINN's Mandatory Reporting Database.

Some states designate Child Protective Services as the agency that receives reports of suspected child abuse; others designate a law enforcement entity. Some states designate both, or none at all. Many states have centralized toll-free numbers that take reports from the entire state. Find out where to make a report in your state.

To speak with staff specifically trained to deal with questions about suspected child sexual abuse, call the ChildHelp USA National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD.

Other Resources

RAINN's Mandatory Reporting Database
This database provides mandatory reporting regulations regarding children and the elderly by state, including who is required to report, standards of knowledge, definitions of a victim, to whom the report must be made, information required in the report, and regulations regarding timing and other procedures.

Child abuse reporting telephone numbers, by state

Mandated Reporting
Summaries of statutes regarding individuals, typically designated by professional group, who are mandated by law to report child maltreatment

Reporting Laws (PDF, 162KB)
Relevant portions of the text of laws regarding reporting child abuse and neglect, including information about cross-reporting

Reporting Penalties
Summaries of statutes regarding penalties that may be imposed on mandated reporters who fail to report, or by any person who knowingly and/or willfully makes a false report of child abuse or neglect

Reporting Procedures
Summaries of statutes that specify procedures for making and responding to reports of child abuse and neglect, including any states that have special procedures for handling reports of suspicious child deaths and drug-exposed infants

ChildHelp USA National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-422-4453

VIRTUS Online
Provides contact information for reporting child abuse in each of the 50 states

Darkness to Light
Information and resources on reporting child abuse

Justice for Children: child victim advocacy organization, 713-225-4357

National Children's Alliance
National organization providing services to Children's Advocacy Centers, multidisciplinary teams, and professionals across the country to offer coordinated investigation and comprehensive response to child abuse victims.
Find a center near you: 1-800-239-9950