Mandated Reporting — Your State Controls
Version 1.0 · Last reviewed July 2026 · Review cadence: Monthly
Confirm this live card before relying on any number or rule below. This card changes on a Monthly cadence.
THE THRESHOLD IS REASONABLE SUSPICION — NOT CERTAINTY, NOT PROOF
You do not investigate. You do not need to be sure, to have witnessed it, or to have a confession. You need specific observations that a reasonable person with your training would read as raising the possibility of abuse or neglect. Reporting is permitted in every state no matter your legal status. Whether you are a designated mandated reporter depends on your state’s statute — confirm yours, and document that you did.
THE STEPS
1. Immediate danger? → Call 911 first, then make the CPS report.
2. No immediate danger but reasonable suspicion is met? → Call your state’s CPS hotline.
3. Don’t know the state hotline? → Childhelp at 1-800-422-4453 (call or text “GO”) helps you find the right state channel — but note Childhelp is NOT a reporting line; the report still goes to state CPS. childwelfare.gov lists every state’s hotline.
4. Document your specific observations — dates, behaviors, statements. File the written follow-up your state requires (often within 24–72 hours).
5. Do NOT confront the family before reporting, do NOT investigate, do NOT promise the child confidentiality. Continue to provide steady care.
FEDERAL RESOURCES (THE SAME EVERYWHERE)
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-422-4453 (call or text “GO”). 24/7, 170+ languages. Crisis counseling and referral — not a reporting line.
Child Welfare Information Gateway: childwelfare.gov — the current state-by-state directory of reporting hotlines and procedures.
FILL IN FOR YOUR STATE (CONFIRM AT CHILDWELFARE.GOV)
My state CPS reporting hotline: ____________________________
My state’s mandated-reporter statute: ____________________________
Time window for the written follow-up after an oral report: ____________________________
The Modern Nanny Co. provides pre-filled versions for major markets; verify annually, since numbers and procedures change.
Reporter designation, immunity, penalties, and timelines vary by state. Confirm yours at childwelfare.gov and record it on this card.