Mandated Reporter

What it means

A person whose job requires them by law to report suspected child abuse or neglect to the state hotline. In New York, mandated reporters include teachers, school staff, doctors, nurses, social workers, police officers, day care workers, therapists, and many other professionals. They do not have to be certain abuse is happening — a reasonable suspicion is enough. Failure to report is a Class A misdemeanor. Reports are made to the Statewide Central Register (SCR) at 1-800-342-3720.

When you might hear this

You hear this in schools, hospitals, and social service agencies. A mandated reporter is a professional who is legally required to report suspected child abuse or neglect. Not reporting is a crime.

What to ask