Reporting
States have created Child Protective Services (CPS) to investigate child abuse and maltreatment reports, protect children and adolescents under 18 years old from further abuse or maltreatment, and provide rehabilitative services to children, parents, and other involved family members. A report of suspected abuse or maltreatment may also generate a law enforcement investigation or criminal action. This system of reporting was created to provide a method to protect children from abuse by their legally responsible caregivers (parents, teachers, residential care providers, etc.).
States maintain their own central registers, often known as a Child Abuse Hotline, and receive telephone calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week regarding alleged child abuse or maltreatment from both mandated and voluntary reporters. The State Central Register then relays the information to the local Child Protective Services for investigation, monitors for a prompt response, and identifies if there are related prior child abuse or maltreatment reports.
Medical and hospital personnel are mandated reporters. To be licensed, a medical provider must be able to provide documentation of having completed coursework or training regarding the identification and reporting of child abuse and neglect. For information about regulations in each state see https://www.childwelfare.gov/resources/definitions-child-abuse-and-neglect/.
Key Concepts
- When to Report
- Definitions of Abuse
- Need to Report Cause of Death
- How to Make a Report
- How to Make a Report in a Hospital Setting
- If the Report Is Not Accepted
- Confidentiality and Disclosure of Information
- To Whom Information Is Disclosed
- Limits of Privileged Information
- Confidentiality of Source and Report
- Liability
- Immunity from Liability and Penalties for Failure to Report and False Reporting
- References and Resources
