Resources and Referrals

When Someone Becomes a Mandated Reporter in DE, PA, MA, and NYIn each of these states, mandated reporters are individuals who, by law, must report suspected child abuse or neglect when they have reasonable cause to suspect it has occurred. The exact list of professions and roles varies slightly, but the core principle is the same: you must report if you are in a position to have regular, substantial contact with children and have reason to believe abuse or neglect is happening.
DelawareDelaware’s law is similar to Pennsylvania’s. Mandated reporters include:

• Licensed or certified health professionals
• School employees
• Child care providers with direct contact
• Clergy and religious leaders
• Social services employees
• Law enforcement and EMS providers
• Public library employees with direct contact apps.rainn.org

When required: You must report if you have reasonable cause to suspect a child is a victim of abuse, and you are in one of the above roles or have direct responsibility for a child’s welfare apps.rainn.org.
PennsylvaniaPennsylvania’s Child Protective Services Law mandates that certain adults report suspected child abuse:

• Licensed/certified health professionals
• Medical examiners, coroners, funeral directors
• Health care facility employees
• Teachers, school employees
• Child care service employees
• Clergy and religious leaders
• Social services employees
• Law enforcement, EMS providers
• Public library employees with direct contact PA.GOV+1

When required: Report if you have reasonable cause to suspect a child is a victim of abuse, and you are in one of these roles or have direct responsibility for a child’s welfare apps.rainn.org.
MassachusettsMassachusetts law is broad and includes:

• Teachers, school staff, and administrators
• Child care providers
• Social workers, counselors, psychologists
• Medical professionals (doctors, nurses, dentists, etc.)
• Clergy and religious leaders
• Law enforcement and EMS
• Anyone with regular, substantial contact with children in a professional or supervisory role Justice Center

When required: You must report if you have reasonable cause to suspect a child is a victim of abuse or neglect, and you are in one of these roles or have direct responsibility for a child’s welfare Justice Center.
New YorkNew York’s Office of Children and Family Services lists mandated reporters as:

• Physicians, nurses, dentists, psychologists, social workers, EMS providers
• School officials (teachers, counselors, administrators)
• Child care directors (camps, day/overnight programs)
• Clergy and religious leaders
• Employees of public shelters, health homes, and certain home/community-based service providers
• Law enforcement and EMS Office of Children and Family Services

When required: Report if you have reasonable cause to suspect a child is a victim of abuse or neglect, and you are in one of these roles or have direct responsibility for a child’s welfare Office of Children and Family Services.
Key TakeawayAcross these states, mandated reporter status is determined by:

1. Role/profession in a regulated field (health, education, child care, social services, clergy, law enforcement, etc.)
2. Direct contact with children in a regular, substantial capacity
3. Reasonable cause to suspect abuse or neglect

If you are in one of these roles, you are legally obligated to report suspected abuse or neglect to the state’s child protective services or hotline.

Website:  https://delaware211.org/about-211/
"Delaware 211 is a free, confidential service available in multiple languages.
We connect individuals and families in Delaware to the resources and services they need. " 
Free, Confidential Hotline | Delaware 211

Webpage ​
​www.kids.delaware.gov​

---