Are you required to report?
Mandated-reporter law varies by state. Some states require every adult to report suspected child abuse or trafficking; others restrict the duty to designated professionals. Use the lookup below for an informational starting point.
This is reference material, not legal advice. State statutes change. Verify with your state child-welfare authority or counsel before acting on a borderline case. When in doubt — call 911 if a child is in immediate danger, or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
Yes — in your state, every adult is a mandated reporter.
Any person who has reasonable cause to believe a child is abused or neglected must report.
Call 911. Don't wait for a hotline.
Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 (text HELP to 233733), or your state's child-protective services intake line.
In your state any adult who reasonably suspects abuse or trafficking is legally required to report. Failure to report can carry criminal or civil penalties.
All states at a glance
Universal-reporter states are highlighted. Source basis: childwelfare.gov state-statute summaries.