Rules by state
Mandated reporter laws by state
Who must report suspected child abuse or neglect in every state and DC, and where to report it. Checked October 2026 against each state's official laws.
18
states where every person must report suspected abuse
33
jurisdictions where the duty falls on listed roles
51
jurisdictions covered, with official sources
- In the states where every person must report, that includes youth program staff, coaches and volunteers.
- Elsewhere, the duty falls on the roles each state lists, and the lists differ. Check your state's details below.
- In many states, telling a supervisor doesn't meet your own duty to report. Check your state's rules, and call the hotline or police yourself when in doubt.
- If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.
- General information, not legal advice. Confirm with your state's child protection agency.
State by state
The details for each state
Alabama
Listed roles must report, including day care workers and employees, K-12 school employees, teachers and school officials, social workers, health care workers, clergy and anyone called on to give aid or medical help to a child. Coaches and camp staff aren't named separately, but they may be covered by these roles. Under Act 2026-375 (effective October 1, 2026), the oral report to DHR or law enforcement is due immediately and a written report within 72 hours (Ala. Code §26-14-3).
Alaska
Listed professionals must report, including child care providers, school teachers and staff (including athletic coaches; unpaid volunteer coaches only after a set number of hours plus training), school volunteers working more than four hours a week, and health care workers. Reports go to the Office of Children's Services immediately, and suspected sex offenses must also be reported immediately to law enforcement (AS 47.17.020).
Arizona
Listed reporters include school personnel, health and behavioral health professionals, clergy, parents and "any other person who has responsibility for the care or treatment of the minor." That phrase can include child care, camp and youth program staff, and their direct supervisors must also report. Reports must be made immediately by phone or electronically to DCS or a peace officer (A.R.S. §13-3620).
Arkansas
A long list of mandated reporters includes child care and day care workers, school employees, coaches and directors of athletic and non-athletic organizations, clergy, health care workers, and people working for nonprofit charitable organizations. They must immediately notify the Child Abuse Hotline when they have reasonable cause to suspect maltreatment (Ark. Code § 12-18-402); licensed child care owners, staff and volunteers are named as mandated reporters in the licensing rules.
California
Mandated reporters include child care administrators and employees, administrators and employees of day camps, youth centers and youth recreation programs, school staff and school athletic coaches, and HR staff at businesses that employ minors. They must report immediately by phone to the county child welfare agency or police/sheriff and send a written report within 36 hours (Penal Code §§11165.7, 11166); licensed child care staff must take mandated reporter training within 90 days of hire and every 2 years.
Colorado
Listed reporters include school employees, health and mental health professionals, clergy, CDEC employees, and directors, coaches and athletic staff of private sports programs; the licensing rules also require every child care caregiver and staff member to report. Reports must be made immediately to the county human or social services department, local law enforcement, or the statewide hotline (C.R.S. §19-3-304; 8 CCR 1402-1 §2.126).
Connecticut
Mandated reporters are listed professions. The list includes anyone paid to care for children in a licensed child care center or home, school employees, paid youth camp directors and staff aged 21 or older, and coaches or directors of youth athletics and private youth sports aged 18 or older (CGS §17a-101(b)). Report by phone (or electronically, for non-emergencies) within 12 hours, and file a written or electronic report within 48 hours after the oral report (CGS §17a-101b, §17a-101c).
Delaware
Every person, agency or organization that knows or in good faith suspects child abuse or neglect must report it to the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families (16 Del.C. §903). Call the report line immediately for sexual abuse, a child death, a current injury, a child needing urgent medical or mental health care, or a child left without a caregiver. Other reports can be made by phone or through the online portal (16 Del.C. §904). Licensed centers must call the line immediately if abuse is suspected at the center (933 §19.2.3).
District of Columbia
Mandatory reporters are listed professions. The list includes day care workers, teachers, school officials, athletic coaches, Department of Parks and Recreation employees, social services workers and health professionals (DC Code §4-1321.02). They must make an oral report immediately to the Child and Family Services Agency or the Metropolitan Police Department, and a written report if asked (§4-1321.03). Non-emergency reports can also be filed through CFSA's online mandated reporter portal.
Florida
Every person who knows or has reasonable cause to suspect child abuse, abandonment or neglect must report immediately to the Florida Abuse Hotline by phone, in writing or online (s. 39.201(1), F.S.). Professionals such as teachers and day care or child care workers must give their names when reporting.
Georgia
Mandated reporters are listed in O.C.G.A. §19-7-5(c)(1). The list includes teachers, school staff, child welfare staff and 'child service organization personnel': employees and volunteers of any organization that provides care, education, supervision, coaching or recreation to children. That covers child care, camp, after-school and youth sports staff. Report immediately and no later than 24 hours by phone, online or by fax (§19-7-5(e)). Licensed centers must also tell DECAL within 24 hours or the next work day that a report was made (591-1-1-.29(1)).
Hawaii
Mandated reporters are listed professions, including child care providers and employees of licensed or registered child care facilities, school employees, and employees of public or private agencies providing recreational or sports activities (HRS §350-1.1(a)). Report immediately by phone to DHS or the police, then follow up in writing to DHS as soon as possible.
Idaho
Any person, including daycare owners, operators, and staff, who has reason to believe a child has been abused, abandoned, or neglected must report it within 24 hours to IDHW or law enforcement; failing to report is a misdemeanor (Idaho Code §16-1605; IDAPA 16.06.03.421).
Illinois
Listed professionals must report immediately to DCFS when they have reasonable cause to believe a child they know through work may be abused or neglected, including child care and day care center staff, school personnel, and recreation or athletic program staff (325 ILCS 5/4). Anyone else may report.
Indiana
Indiana requires anyone who suspects a child is being abused or neglected to report it to the DCS hotline or police (IC 31-33-5); child care center staff must report immediately (470 IAC 3-4.7-13).
Iowa
Listed professionals must report within 24 hours, including employees and operators of licensed child care centers, registered child development homes, and Head Start programs; school employees 18 and older; and holders of a state coaching authorization. Mandatory reporters must complete state training within 6 months of starting and every 3 years (Iowa Code §232.69).
Kansas
Listed professionals must report promptly when they suspect abuse or neglect, including licensed child care providers and their staff, teachers and other school employees, and medical, mental health, and law enforcement workers (K.S.A. 38-2223). Child care center staff must report to the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) within 24 hours (K.A.R. 28-4-430).
Kentucky
Kentucky law requires any person who suspects child abuse, neglect, or dependency to report it (KRS 620.030); the federal Child Welfare Information Gateway lists Kentucky as an all-persons reporting state. Licensed child-care centers must report abuse or neglect to the Cabinet under KRS 620.030 (922 KAR 2:090, Section 13).
Louisiana
Listed professions must report, including child care and early learning center staff, teachers, coaches, and employees and volunteers of day camps, summer camps, youth centers and youth recreation programs (Children's Code Art. 603, 609). Reports must be made immediately, by the DCFS hotline for anything needing urgent help (Art. 610); separately, any adult who witnesses the sexual abuse of a child must report it (R.S. 14:403). Licensed center staff must also complete DCFS online mandated reporter training every year (LAC 28:CLXI.1727).
Maine
Listed adults must report when acting in a professional capacity, including school personnel, child care personnel, youth camp administrators and counselors, health care practitioners, social workers, clergy and others (22 M.R.S. §4011-A). They must report to DHHS immediately and within no more than 24 hours; anyone else may report.
Maryland
Everyone in Maryland who has reason to believe a child has been abused or neglected must report to the local department of social services or law enforcement (Family Law §5-705). Health practitioners, police, educators and human service workers must also report orally as soon as possible and in writing within 48 hours (Family Law §5-704); child care staff must report directly, not through their director (COMAR 13A.16.07.02).
Massachusetts
Listed professionals must report, including teachers, early education, preschool, child care and after-school staff in state-licensed or state-funded programs, clergy, police and health care workers (M.G.L. c. 119, §§21, 51A, as summarized in DCF's Mandated Reporter Guide). They must call DCF immediately and file a written report within 48 hours; recreational camp staff must also report immediately to DCF or the camp director, who must report to DCF immediately (105 CMR 430.093).
Michigan
Listed professions must report under the Child Protection Law (MCL 722.621 et seq.), including regulated child care providers, teachers, school administrators and counselors, clergy, social workers, health workers, athletic trainers and law enforcement; anyone else may report. Mandated reporters must make an immediate oral report to MDHHS Centralized Intake (or use the online system) and follow with a written report within 72 hours. Licensed camps must have a written plan for reporting under the Child Protection Law (R 400.11115).
Minnesota
Professionals and their delegates in child care, education, health care, social services, mental health, corrections, probation and law enforcement, plus clergy, must report (Minn. Stat. §260E.06); anyone else may report. Reports go to the county or tribal social services agency or law enforcement immediately by phone, followed by a written report within 72 hours (excluding weekends and holidays) (§260E.09).
Mississippi
Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-353 lists professionals, including child caregivers, school employees and ministers, and then adds 'any other person' with reasonable cause to suspect abuse or neglect, so everyone must report. The report must be made right away by phone or otherwise, with a written report following as soon as possible.
Missouri
RSMo 210.115 lists required reporters, including day care center workers and other child-care workers, teachers, principals and other school officials, health and mental health practitioners, social workers, ministers, law enforcement, and any 'other person with responsibility for the care of children'. They must report to the Children's Division immediately. Anyone else may report.
Montana
MCA 41-3-201 lists required reporters, including teachers and school employees, operators and employees of registered or licensed day-care and child-care facilities, health and mental health professionals, clergy, social workers, law enforcement, and employees of groups that contract with DPHHS to serve children. They must report promptly to DPHHS. Anyone else may report.
Nebraska
Nebraska requires any person who suspects child abuse or neglect to report it, not only listed professionals. Reports go to law enforcement or the DHHS hotline. Center directors must immediately report, or make sure a report is filed, with the Child Abuse-Neglect Hotline and/or local law enforcement (391 NAC 3-006.02).
Nevada
Nevada lists the professionals who must report (NRS 432B.220), and child care licensees and employees must report suspected abuse or neglect under that law. If the abuse may be happening in the facility, they must also report it to the licensing division (NAC 432A.410). Report to the county child welfare agency for your area.
New Hampshire
Any person who suspects that a child under 18 has been abused or neglected must report it immediately to DCYF (RSA 169-C:29-31). Proof isn't required, and DCYF may ask for a written report within 48 hours.
New Jersey
Every person who has reasonable cause to believe a child has been abused or neglected must report it immediately to the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (N.J.S.A. 9:6-8.10). Reports can be anonymous; call 911 as well if a child is in immediate danger.
New Mexico
Every person who knows or reasonably suspects a child is abused or neglected must report immediately to CYFD Statewide Central Intake, local law enforcement, or the tribal agency for an Indian child in Indian country (NMSA 32A-4-3).
New York
Listed professionals must report, including day care center workers, school-age child care workers, family and group family day care providers, other child care workers, directors of overnight, summer day and traveling day camps, school staff, and compensated school employees who hold a coaching license or certificate (Social Services Law §413). Reports must be made immediately by phone, followed by a written report within 48 hours (§415).
North Carolina
Any person or institution who suspects a child is abused, neglected or dependent must report to the county Department of Social Services where the child lives or is found, by phone, in person or in writing (G.S. 7B-301). Separately, any adult who knows or should reasonably know a child is the victim of a violent or sexual offense or misdemeanor child abuse must immediately report to local law enforcement (G.S. 14-318.6).
North Dakota
Listed professionals must report when they learn of suspected abuse or neglect through their work, including child care workers, schoolteachers, administrators and counselors, medical and mental health professionals, social workers, foster parents, law enforcement, clergy and child care licensors; anyone else may report (N.D.C.C. 50-25.1-03). Reports must be made immediately, orally or in writing, with a written follow-up within 48 hours if requested (50-25.1-04).
Ohio
Ohio law lists required reporters by profession, including child care workers and day care staff, school employees and teachers, health professionals, clergy, social workers and children services staff (ORC 2151.421). Ohio is also among the states whose list covers directors, employees and volunteers of organized activities for children such as camps and recreation centers. Reports go to county children services or law enforcement.
Oklahoma
Every person who has reason to believe a child under 18 is being abused or neglected must report it immediately to OKDHS through the statewide hotline (10A O.S. §1-2-101(B), as amended effective Nov. 1, 2025). Knowingly failing to report promptly is a crime, and school employees must also notify local law enforcement.
Oregon
Oregon lists 'public or private officials' who must report immediately (ORS 419B.005, 419B.010), including school employees, registered or certified child care providers, operators of recorded programs, paid coaches and athletic trainers, and employees of organizations providing child-related services such as youth groups, scouts, and summer or day camps. Reports go to ODHS or law enforcement.
Pennsylvania
Mandated reporters include school employees, child care employees with direct contact with children, and anyone, paid or unpaid, who as an integral part of a regularly scheduled program, activity or service is responsible for a child's welfare or has direct contact with children (23 Pa.C.S. §6311). They must report immediately to ChildLine by phone or online, then notify the person in charge of their organization.
Rhode Island
Any person who has reasonable cause to know or suspect that a child has been abused or neglected must report it to the DCYF Child Protective Services hotline within 24 hours (R.I. Gen. Laws §40-11-3; 214-RICR-20-00-1 §1.6). Licensed programs must also notify the DHS licensing unit right after reporting if the incident happened at the program.
South Carolina
Listed professionals must report, including childcare workers in a childcare center, teachers, school counselors and principals, health and mental health professionals, clergy and law enforcement; anyone else may report and is encouraged to (S.C. Code §63-7-310). Reports go to the county DSS office or law enforcement; the statute does not set a specific deadline.
South Dakota
Listed professionals must report, including teachers, school counselors and officials, coaches of school activities, licensed or registered child welfare providers, employees and volunteers of child advocacy organizations or child welfare service providers, health professionals and law enforcement (SDCL 26-8A-3); the child care rules also require child care providers to report immediately (ARSD 67:42:17:47). Reports must be made orally and immediately to DSS, law enforcement or the county state's attorney (SDCL 26-8A-8); intentionally failing to report is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Tennessee
Everyone in Tennessee is a mandated reporter and must report suspected child abuse or neglect immediately (T.C.A. §§37-1-403 and 37-1-605). Child care rules make each owner, director, staff member, substitute, and volunteer personally responsible for reporting. Staff may not wait to investigate first, and a program may not have policies that get in the way of reporting (Rule 1240-04-01-.10).
Texas
Anyone who has reasonable cause to believe a child has been abused or neglected must report immediately. Professionals, including teachers, day-care employees, and anyone licensed by the state or working for a state-licensed facility who has direct contact with children, must report within 24 hours and cannot hand the duty to someone else (Texas Family Code §261.101).
Utah
Any person who has reason to believe a child is being or has been abused or neglected must immediately report it to the Division of Child and Family Services or the nearest law enforcement agency (Utah Code §80-2-602). Narrow exceptions exist for certain clergy confessions and attorney-client information.
Vermont
Mandated reporters include child care workers, school employees, camp owners, administrators, and counselors (at both residential and day recreation programs), health care providers, clergy, and other listed professions. They must report suspected abuse or neglect to DCF within 24 hours. Anyone else may report (33 V.S.A. §4913).
Virginia
Listed professionals must report suspected abuse or neglect immediately, and never later than 24 hours. The list includes anyone employed in a school or child day program, paid child care providers, coaches and other adults working with sports organizations, administrators and employees (18 and older) of day camps, youth centers, and recreation programs, and any adult employed by or associated with an organization responsible for children (Code of Virginia §63.2-1509). Reports go to the local department of social services or the state hotline. Starting July 1, 2027, reports must go to the state hotline.
Washington
Mandated reporters include licensed or certified child care providers and their employees, school personnel, DCYF employees, clergy, nurses, and other listed professions. Supervisors at any nonprofit or for-profit organization must also report abuse by someone they supervise who coaches, trains, teaches, or has unsupervised access to children. Reports go to law enforcement or DCYF at the first opportunity, and no later than 48 hours (RCW 26.44.030).
West Virginia
Listed professionals must report, including child care workers, teachers and other school staff, youth camp administrators and counselors, and employees, coaches and volunteers of groups that run organized activities for children. They must report to DoHS immediately and within 24 hours at most, also report to the State Police and local law enforcement when serious physical abuse or sexual abuse is suspected, and tell the person in charge of their program; anyone else may report (W. Va. Code §49-2-803).
Wisconsin
Listed professionals must report, including child care workers in child care centers, child care providers, teachers, school administrators, school counselors and other school employees, social workers, nurses and police (Wis. Stat. 48.981(2)(a)); coaches and recreation staff are not named unless they fit a listed role, though anyone may report. Reporters must tell the county child protective services agency (DCF in Milwaukee County) or the sheriff or local police immediately, by phone or in person (48.981(3)(a)1.); licensed day camp staff and volunteers must also report immediately and get yearly abuse-reporting training (DCF 252.07(3)).
Wyoming
Every person who knows or has reasonable cause to suspect a child is abused or neglected must report immediately to DFS (the local child protective agency) or local law enforcement (W.S. 14-3-205). Staff of a school, facility or agency must also tell the person in charge, who then also has to make sure a report is made.
FAQ
Common questions
Which states require everyone to report suspected child abuse?
18 states: Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Wyoming.
Are youth program staff mandated reporters?
In the 18 states where every person must report, yes. In the other 33 jurisdictions, it depends on the state's list of roles. Check your state below, and train staff on how and when to report.
How do I report suspected abuse?
Call your state's child abuse hotline or local law enforcement. Each state's details below show how to report there. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.