Mandatory Reporting Database

Mandatory Reporting Database

To protect children, the elderly and others who require special protection, most states require that, in certain cases, an observer contact authorities if s/he believes that the protected person is being abused. The requirements vary a lot by state — some states require everyone to report their reasonable suspicions, while other states' laws apply to only certain groups such as doctors and teachers.

The links below provide state-by-state information about these so-called mandatory reporting laws, including who is required to report, standards of knowledge, definitions of a victim, to whom the report must be made, information required in the report, and regulations regarding timing and other procedures. We thank the numerous law student volunteers and law firms who provided pro bono assistance in compiling the database. For more information, please contact Rachel Gandell, RAINN's policy associate, at rachelg@rainn.org.

For reprint permission, please contact Rachel Gandell at rachelg@rainn.org. Last updated: December 2008.

RAINN (Rape Abuse and Incest National Network) provides general information that is intended, but not guaranteed, to be correct and up-to-date. The information is not presented as a source of legal advice. You should not rely, for legal advice, on statements or representations made by RAINN. If you need legal advice upon which you intend to rely in the course of your legal affairs, consult a competent, independent attorney. RAINN does not assume any responsibility for actions or non-actions taken by people who have used this information, and no one shall be entitled to a claim for detrimental reliance on any information provided or expressed. RAINN does not endorse, guarantee or warranty the accuracy, reliability or thoroughness of any referenced information, product or service.