Mandated Reporting

Mandated Reporting

Many professionals and caregivers are considered mandated reporters. When reporters, in their professional capacity or within the scope of their employment, have knowledge of or observe a child who they reasonably suspect has been the victim of child abuse or neglect, they are obligated to make a report. 

The mandated reporter shall make an initial report by telephone immediately or as soon as is practicably possible, and shall prepare and send, fax, or electronically transmit a written follow-up report within 36 hours of receiving the information concerning the incident. The mandated reporter may include with the report any non-privileged documentary evidence the mandated reporter possesses relating to the incident.

To make a report, a mandated reporter must contact the appropriate local law enforcement or county child welfare agency, listed below. 

  • A Police or Sheriff’s Department (not including a school district police department or school security department)
  • A County Welfare Department/County Child Protective Services 
  • Tulare County Child Welfare Services 1-800-331-1585
     
What to Report?
What to Report?

Under the law, when the victim is a child (a person under the age of 18) and the perpetrator is any person (including a child). This page contains the types of abuse must be reported by all legally mandated reporters.

Who is a mandated reporter?
Who is a mandated reporter?

A mandated reporter, as defined by the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), is someone required to report knowledge or reasonable suspicion of child abuse, obtained while acting in a professional capacity or within the scope of one’s employment. 

Suspected Child Abuse Report Form (SCAR)
Suspected Child Abuse Report Form (SCAR)

The mandated reporter shall make an initial report by telephone immediately or as soon as is practicably possible, and shall prepare and send via fax or electronically transmit a written follow-up report within 36 hours of receiving the information concerning the incident.


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