Frequently Asked Questions & Answers About Reporting

Q. Must something actually happen to the child before a situation is considered abuse?

A. For a report to be substantiated as abuse under the law, yes. In most instances there must be a condition or injury caused by a perpetrator, as defined by the law, to a child under the age of 18. The one exception would be for a case of imminent risk, where no harm has come to the child, but would have except for happenstance, the actions of the child, or the intervention of a third party. Cases of non-abuse may receive general protective services.

Mandated reporters, however, do not need to prove abuse has occurred to make a report; they must only have reasonable cause to suspect abuse.

Q. Am I mandated to report 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?

A. No. The law only requires mandated reporters to make a report when they have reasonable cause to suspect, based on their training and experience, that a child they are aware of in their professional capacity is a victim of abuse. However, away from work, anyone can be a permissive reporter; professionals who work with children are encouraged to report any instances of suspected abuse they become aware of inside or outside the professional environment.

Q. What if the parents figure out who made the report and threaten personal retaliation?

A. The law requires the name of the mandated reporter to be kept confidential, and Children and Youth Services agents take that requirement VERY seriously. It is possible, however, that some parents will figure out where the report came from. Fears of retaliation can, unfortunately, be justified. Reporters should rely on the organizational policies that are in place to handle any potentially angry or violent client.

For instance, a parent can be equally angry if their son “the star quarterback” is not allowed to play football because of a failing grade. Professionals have resources for protecting their safety; children who are abused often do not. Reporters are encouraged to try to appreciate the parent’s reactions and fears, and assure them you only have the best interest of their child in mind and will be glad to assist them in remedying the cause for concern however they can.

Q. Should/can I inform the parents when I make a report?

A. The law offers no guidance on this issue. The decision to inform the parents is up to the organization and may be made on a case by case basis. Local Children and Youth agency personnel will often ask that you refrain from informing the parents before they have had a chance to speak with the child. This is to minimize the possibility of parental influence of testimony. This is especially important if there is a serious concern about the immediate safety of the child. It is important to remember, however, that the law requires a report be made immediately. Do not let a decision to inform the parents of a report become an opportunity for the parent to persuade you to the contrary.