31 Mandated Reporting

Mandatory Reporting

Mandated reporters are required by law to report suspected abuse and neglect they see in the course of their professional duties. Professionals are referred to as mandated reporters because they are required by state law to report suspected neglect or abuse of children, adults at risk, and the elderly. Professionals should be aware of the county or state agencies to whom they should report suspected abuse. For example, in Wisconsin, suspected neglect or abuse is reported to Child Protective Services (CPS) or law enforcement. Persons required to report and who intentionally fail to report suspected child abuse or neglect may be fined up to $1,000 or imprisoned for up to six months or both. ¹⁶ See Figure 15.7 for an image related to reporting suspected abuse and neglect.¹⁷

 Figure 15.7 Report Suspected Child Abuse. Used under Fair Use. 

What to Report

Mandatory reporters who suspect neglect or abuse should contact their county social/human services department, sheriff, or local police department immediately. When making a report, explain what happened or is happening to the child or vulnerable adult. Describe the nature of the abuse or neglect and be as specific as possible. Be prepared to give the name, DOB, address, and telephone number of the victim, as well as the name of their parent or caregiver. Include information on any known or reported Native American ancestry. If you do not know all of this information, report what you do know and explain all you know about the situation and family dynamics.¹⁸

When a report is filed, the receiving department will make a safety screening determination based on state statutes. If the report meets the criteria for alleged maltreatment, a social worker from the county department of social/ human services will proceed with an investigation of the reported maltreatment and work with the parents to assess the situation to determine if any support or assistance is needed to protect the child or vulnerable adult and help the family.¹⁹

Resources

16. Wisconsin Department of Children and Families. (2019). It shouldn’t hurt to be a child… but sometimes it does. [Brochure]. https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/files/publications/pdf/0101.pdf

17. “stop-child-abuse-see-the-signs-make-the-call-1536×748.jpg” by unknown author for Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth & Their Families is used under Fair Use.

18. Wisconsin Department of Children and Families. (2019). It shouldn’t hurt to be a child… but sometimes it does. [Brochure]. https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/files/publications/pdf/0101.pdf

19. Wisconsin Department of Children and Families. (2019). It shouldn’t hurt to be a child… but sometimes it does. [Brochure]. https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/files/publications/pdf/0101.pdf

All 50 states and the District of Columbia have child abuse and neglect reporting laws that mandate certain professionals and institutions refer suspected maltreatment to a Child Protective Services (CPS) agency. Each state has its own definitions of child abuse and neglect that are based on standards set by federal law. Federal legislation defines child abuse and neglect as, “Any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation, or an act or failure to act, which presents an imminent risk of serious harm.”¹  In 2019 there were 656,000 victims of child abuse and neglect, with a victim rate calculated as 9 victims per 1,000 children across the United States. In addition, 74.9 percent of victims were neglected, 17.5 percent were physically abused, and 9.3 percent were sexually abused. Child fatalities are the most tragic consequence of maltreatment. In 2019 it was estimated that 1,840 children died from abuse and neglect in the United States. The youngest children are the most vulnerable to maltreatment, with 45.4 percent of child fatalities younger than 1-year-old. A perpetrator is the person who is responsible for the abuse or neglect of a child. Furthermore, 77.5% of perpetrators are a parent of the victim.²

Resources

1. Administration for Children & Families. (2021). Child maltreatment 2019. [Report]. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/report/child-maltreatment-2019
2. Administration for Children & Families. (2021). Child maltreatment 2019. [Report]. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/report/child-maltreatment-2019

Illinois information for Mandated Reporters

https://www2.illinois.gov/dcfs/safekids/reporting/Documents/cfs_1050-21_mandated_reporter_manual.pdf

Children’s Justice Task Force
September 2020
Revised Edition

The Online Reporting System is to be used for non-life threatening and non-emergency incidents of abuse or neglect of a child. If you believe the abuse or neglect you are reporting requires immediate action, you MUST call the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 800-25-ABUSE (800-252-2873) to make your report.

https://dcfsonlinereporting.dcfs.illinois.gov/

Recognizing And Reporting Child Abuse: Training For Mandated Reporters

The purpose of this online course is to help all Illinois Mandated Reporters understand their critical role in protecting children by recognizing and reporting child abuse.

Everyone who suspects child abuse or neglect should call the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Child Abuse Hotline to make a report, but Mandated Reporters are required by law to do so.

This Training Includes:

1. A pre-training assessment (13 multiple-choice questions)
2. 60-90 minutes of self-paced interactive training
3. A post-training assessment (13 multiple-choice questions)
4. A Certificate of Completion