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Email: info@childwelfare.gov

https://www.childwelfare.gov

STATE 

STATUTES

Current Through 

December 2012

Cross-Reporting 

Among Responders 

to Child Abuse 

and Neglect

To find statute information for a 

particular State, go to 

https://www.childwelfare.gov/

systemwide/laws_policies/state/

All 50 States, the District of Columbia, American 

Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto 

Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have statutes 

specifying procedures that State agencies must 

follow in handling reports of suspected child abuse 

or neglect. In most States, these procedures include 

requirements for cross-system reporting and/or 

information sharing among professional entities. 

Typically, reports are shared among social services 

agencies, law enforcement departments, and 

prosecutors’ offices. 
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The Purpose of 

Cross-Reporting 

Statutes

In most States, a mandated reporter or other person who is 

concerned about a child’s safety and welfare can make a report 

of suspected child maltreatment to a reporting hotline, the child 

protection agency, or a law enforcement agency. Requiring some 

or all of these agencies to share information (i.e., cross-report) 

ensures that the appropriate information gets to the agency that 

must conduct the investigation or family assessment.

Specific models for information sharing vary from State to 

State. For example, child protective services (CPS) agencies 

generally have the responsibility of responding to cases in which 

the suspected abuse or neglect is caused by a parent, family 

member, or other caregiver. In approximately 26 States, cases 

in which the suspected abuse is caused by someone other than 

a family member, or in which the abuse involves sexual abuse 

or severe injury to the child, are considered crimes and must be 

cross-reported to law enforcement agencies for investigation.1

In nine States, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, 

and Guam, all reports made initially to a CPS agency must be 

cross-reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency, 

and reports made to law enforcement must be cross-reported 

to CPS.2

 In 16 States, child protective and law enforcement 

agencies are required to coordinate investigations and share 

information in order to minimize the number of times individual 

children are interviewed.3

 Seven States require information 

sharing among multidisciplinary teams that conduct assessments 

and provide services to families.4

1	 The word approximately is used to stress the fact that States frequently amend their

laws. This information is current only through December 2012. The States that require

CPS agencies to cross-report specific types of abuse to law enforcement agencies

include Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia,

Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New

Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont,

Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

2	 Arizona, California, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and

Wyoming.

3	 Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New

Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota (in cases involving criminal abuse allegations),

Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, and Wyoming.

4	 Arkansas, Delaware, Missouri, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Virginia.
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This publication is a product of the State Statutes Series 

prepared by Child Welfare Information Gateway. While every 

attempt has been made to be as complete as possible, 

additional information on these topics may be in other 

sections of a State’s code as well as agency regulations, case 

law, and informal practices and procedures. 

Suggested Citation:

Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2013). Cross-reporting 

among responders to child abuse and neglect. Washington, 

DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 

Children’s Bureau.
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Alabama

Ala. Code § 26-14-3(b)-(d) (LexisNexis through 2012 1st Spec. Sess.)

When an initial report is made to a law enforcement official, the official subsequently shall inform the Department of 

Human Resources of the report so the department can carry out its responsibility to provide protective services, when 

deemed appropriate to the respective child or children.

When the Department of Human Resources receives an initial report of suspected abuse or neglect involving discipline 

or corporal punishment committed in a public or private school or suspected abuse or neglect in a State-operated child 

residential facility, the Department of Human Resources shall transmit a copy of school reports to the law enforcement 

agency, and residential facility reports to the operating State agency, which shall conduct the investigation.

Nothing in this chapter shall preclude interagency agreements among departments of human resources, law 

enforcement, and other State agencies on procedures for investigating reports of suspected child abuse and neglect to 

provide for departments of human resources to assist law enforcement and other State agencies in these investigations.

Ala. Code § 26-14-7(d) (LexisNexis through 2012 1st Spec. Sess.)

The county Department of Human Resources shall make a complete written report of the investigation, together with 

its recommendations. Such reports may be made available to the appropriate court, the district attorney, and the 

appropriate law enforcement agency upon request.

Alaska

Alaska Stat. § 47.17.020(c), (e) (LexisNexis through 2012 3rd Spec. Sess.)

If the person making a report of harm under this section cannot reasonably contact the nearest office of the Department 

of Health and Social Services and immediate action is necessary for the well-being of the child, the person shall make 

the report to a peace officer. The peace officer immediately shall take action to protect the child and, at the earliest 

opportunity, shall notify the nearest office of the department.

The department immediately shall notify the nearest law enforcement agency if the department: 

• Concludes that the harm was caused by a person who is not responsible for the child’s welfare

• Is unable to determine who caused the harm to the child or whether the person who is believed to have caused 

the harm has responsibility for the child’s welfare

• Concludes that the report involves possible criminal conduct or abuse or neglect that results in the need for 

medical treatment of the child

Alaska Stat. § 47.17.025(a) (LexisNexis through 2012 3rd Spec. Sess.)

A law enforcement agency immediately shall notify the Department of Health and Social Services of the receipt of 

a report of harm to a child from abuse. Upon receipt from any source of a report of harm to a child from abuse, the 

department shall notify the Department of Law and investigate the report and, within 72 hours of the receipt of the 

report, shall provide a written report of its investigation of the harm to a child from abuse to the Department of Law for 

review.

American Samoa

A.S. Code § 45.2010(a) (A.S. Bar 2012)

Reports of known or suspected child abuse or neglect made under this chapter immediately are made to the Department 

[of Public Safety] by a written report prepared by those persons required to report, if so requested by the receiving 

agency. The receiving agency forwards a copy of its own report to the central registry on forms supplied by the registry.

If at any time a report of suspected child abuse or neglect is made to the [child protection] agency, the Department [of 

Public Safety] must be notified. If a report of suspected child abuse or neglect is made to the department, the agency 

must be notified.
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Arizona

Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 13-3620(H) (LexisNexis through 2012 2nd Reg. Sess.)

When telephone or in-person reports are received by a peace officer, the officer immediately shall notify child protective 

services in the Department of Economic Security and make the information available to them. Notwithstanding any other 

statute, when child protective services receives these reports by telephone or in person, it immediately shall notify a 

peace officer in the appropriate jurisdiction.

Arkansas

Ark. Code Ann. § 12-18-504 (LexisNexis through 2012 Sess.)

The Department of Human Services immediately shall notify local law enforcement of all reports of severe maltreatment. 

Notification of a report of child maltreatment shall be provided within 5 business days to the prosecuting attorney on an 

allegation of severe maltreatment.

The prosecuting attorney may provide written notice to the department that the department does not need to provide 

notification of the initial child maltreatment report to the prosecuting attorney’s office. Upon receiving the notification, 

the department shall not be required to provide notification of the initial child maltreatment report to the prosecuting 

attorney’s office.

Ark. Code Ann. § 12-18-503 (LexisNexis through 2012 Sess.)

The Department of Human Services shall notify the following of any report of child maltreatment within 5 business days:

• The legal parents, legal guardians, and current foster parent of a child in foster care who is named as a victim or 

alleged offender

• The attorney ad litem for any child named as the victim or alleged offender

• A person appointed by the court as the court-appointed special advocate volunteer for any child named as the 

victim or alleged offender

• Counsel in a dependency-neglect case or family in need of services case when the child is named as a victim or 

alleged offender

• The attorney ad litem and court-appointed special advocate volunteer for all other children in the same foster 

home if the child maltreatment occurred in a foster home

• The attorney ad litem and court-appointed special advocate for any child in foster care when the alleged juvenile 

offender or underaged juvenile aggressor is placed in the same placement as the attorney ad litem or courtappointed special advocate’s client

• The appropriate multidisciplinary team

• A mandated reporter if the mandated reporter made the initial notification of suspected child maltreatment and 

the notification has been accepted for investigation

California

Cal. Penal Code § 11166(k) (LexisNexis through Cal. 2012 Legis. Serv., Ch. 728)

A law enforcement agency immediately, or as soon as practicably possible, shall report by telephone, fax, or electronic 

transmission to the agency given responsibility for investigation of cases under § 300 of the Welfare and Institutions 

Code and to the district attorney’s office every known or suspected instance of child abuse or neglect reported to it, 

except acts or omissions coming within § 11165.2(b), which shall be reported only to the county welfare or probation 

department. A law enforcement agency shall report to the county welfare or probation department every known or 

suspected instance of child abuse or neglect reported to it that is alleged to have occurred as a result of the action of a 

person responsible for the child’s welfare, or as the result of the failure of a person responsible for the child’s welfare to 

adequately protect the minor from abuse when the person responsible for the child’s welfare knew or reasonably should 

have known that the minor was in danger of abuse. A law enforcement agency also shall send, fax, or electronically 

transmit a written report thereof within 36 hours of receiving the information concerning the incident to any agency to 

which it makes a telephone report.
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Cal. Penal Code § 11166(j) (LexisNexis through Cal. 2012 Legis. Serv., Ch. 728)

A county probation or welfare department immediately, or as soon as practicably possible, shall report by telephone, 

fax, or electronic transmission to the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over the case, to the agency given the 

responsibility for investigation of cases, and to the district attorney’s office every known or suspected instance of child 

abuse or neglect, or reports made based on risk to a child that relates solely to the inability of the parent to provide 

the child with regular care due to the parent’s substance abuse, which shall be reported only to the county welfare or 

probation department. A county probation or welfare department also shall send, fax, or electronically transmit a written 

report thereof within 36 hours of receiving the information concerning the incident to any agency to which it is required 

to make a telephone report under this subdivision.

Colorado

Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 19-3-308(4)(b), (5) (LexisNexis through 2012 2nd Ex. Sess.)

Upon the receipt of a report, if the county Department of Social Services reasonably believes that an incident of 

intrafamilial abuse or neglect has occurred, it immediately shall offer social services to the child who is the subject of the 

report and his or her family and may file a petition in the juvenile court or the district court with juvenile jurisdiction on 

behalf of such child. If, before the investigation is completed, the opinion of the investigators is that assistance of the 

local law enforcement agency is necessary for the protection of the child or other children under the same care, the local 

law enforcement agency shall be notified. If immediate removal is necessary to protect the child or other children under 

the same care from further abuse, the child or children may be placed in protective custody in accordance with §§ 19-3-

401(1)(a) and 19-3-405. 

If a local law enforcement agency receives a report of a known or suspected incident of intrafamilial abuse or neglect, it 

immediately shall attempt to contact the county department in order to refer the case for investigation. If the local law 

enforcement agency is unable to contact the county department, it immediately shall make a complete investigation 

and may institute appropriate legal proceedings on behalf of the subject child or other children under the same care. 

As a part of an investigation, the local law enforcement agency shall have access to the records and reports of child 

abuse or neglect maintained by the State department for information under the name of the child or the suspected 

perpetrator. The local law enforcement agency, upon the receipt of a report and upon completion of any investigation it 

may undertake, immediately shall forward a summary of the investigatory data plus all relevant documents to the county 

department.

Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 19-3-307(3) (LexisNexis through 2009 Sess.)

A copy of the report of known or suspected child abuse or neglect shall be transmitted immediately by the county 

Department of Social Services to the district attorney’s office and to the local law enforcement agency.

When the county department reasonably believes a criminal act of abuse or neglect of a child in foster care has occurred, 

the county department shall transmit immediately a copy of the written report prepared by the county department to the 

district attorney’s office and to the local law enforcement agency.

Connecticut

Conn. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 17a-101h (LexisNexis through 2012 Supp.)

Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes to the contrary, any person authorized to conduct an investigation 

of abuse or neglect shall coordinate investigatory activities in order to minimize the number of interviews of any child and 

share information with other persons authorized to conduct an investigation of child abuse or neglect, as appropriate.

Conn. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 17a-101b(c) (LexisNexis through 2012 Supp.)

If the Commissioner of Children and Families, or the commissioner’s designee, receives a report alleging sexual abuse 

or serious physical abuse, including but not limited to a report that (1) a child has died; (2) a child has been sexually 

assaulted; (3) a child has suffered brain damage or loss or serious impairment of a bodily function or organ; (4) a child 

has been sexually exploited; or (5) a child has suffered serious nonaccidental physical injury, the commissioner, within 12 

hours of receipt of such report, shall notify the appropriate law enforcement agency.
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Delaware

Del. Code Ann. Tit. 16, § 906(d), (e)(3)-(4), (17) (LexisNexis through 8-31-12)

In implementing law enforcement’s role in the child protection system, the law enforcement agency investigating a report 

of child abuse shall:

• Report every case of child abuse to the Division of Family Services, as required by § 903 of this title

• Provide information as necessary to the investigation coordinator to permit case tracking, monitoring, and 

reporting by the investigation coordinator

The division may investigate any report but shall conduct an investigation involving all reports that, if true, would 

constitute violations against a child by a person responsible for the care, custody, and control of the child, or an attempt 

to commit any such crimes. Division staff also shall contact the Delaware Department of Justice and the appropriate 

law enforcement agency upon receipt of a report and shall provide such agency with a detailed description of the 

report received. The appropriate law enforcement agency shall assist the division in the investigation or provide the 

division, within a reasonable time, an explanation detailing the reasons why it is unable to assist. To the extent the 

law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over the case is unable to assist, the division may request that the Delaware 

State Police exercise jurisdiction over the case, and upon such request, the Delaware State police may exercise such 

jurisdiction.

The assisting law enforcement agency promptly shall conduct its own criminal investigation and keep the division 

regularly apprised of the status and findings of its investigation. Law enforcement agencies and the division shall develop 

protocols to ensure compliance with this subsection.

Multidisciplinary services shall be used whenever possible in conducting the investigation or family assessment and 

services approach, including the services of law enforcement agencies, the medical community, and other agencies, both 

public and private.

District of Columbia

D.C. Code Ann. § 4-1301.05(a)-(b) (LexisNexis through 9-19-12) 

The police, as soon as possible after receipt of a report of a neglected child other than an abused child, shall inform the 

agency of its contents and any action the police are taking or have taken.

Upon receipt of a report of an abused child, the police may inform the agency of its contents. When the report is a 

substantiated report, the police shall inform the agency of its contents and any action they are taking or have taken as 

soon as possible.

Florida

Fla. Stat. Ann. § 39.301(2)(a), (c) (LexisNexis through 2012 Spec. Sess.)

The Department of Children and Family Services immediately shall forward allegations of criminal conduct to the 

municipal or county law enforcement agency of the municipality or county in which the alleged conduct has occurred.

Upon receiving a written report of an allegation of criminal conduct from the department, the law enforcement agency 

shall review the information in the written report to determine whether a criminal investigation is warranted. If the law 

enforcement agency accepts the case for criminal investigation, it shall coordinate its investigative activities with the 

department, whenever feasible. If the law enforcement agency does not accept the case for criminal investigation, the 

agency shall notify the department in writing.
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Georgia

Ga. Code Ann. § 19-7-5(e) (LexisNexis through 2012 Reg. Sess.)

If a report of child abuse is made to the child welfare agency or independently discovered by the agency, and the agency 

has reasonable cause to believe such report is true or the report contains any allegation or evidence of child abuse, then 

the agency immediately shall notify the appropriate police authority or district attorney.

Guam

Guam Code Ann. Tit. 19, § 13203(b) (LexisNexis through 10-9-12)

Child Protective Services, immediately or as soon as practicably possible, shall report by telephone to the Guam 

Police Department and to the Attorney General’s Office every known or suspected instance of child abuse, except 

acts or omissions coming under § 13101(t)(4) [concerning neglect]. Child Protective Services also shall send a written 

report within 48 hours of receiving information concerning the incident to any agency to which it is required to make a 

telephone report.

The Guam Police Department, immediately or as soon as practicably possible, shall report by telephone to Child 

Protective Services and to the Attorney General’s office every known or suspected instance of child abuse reported 

to it, except acts or omissions coming under § 13101(t)(4) [concerning neglect], which only shall be reported to Child 

Protective Services. However, the Guam Police Department shall report to Child Protective Services every known or 

suspected instance of child abuse reported to it that is alleged to have occurred as a result of the inaction of a person 

responsible for the child’s welfare to adequately protect the minor from abuse when such person knew or reasonably 

should have known that the minor was in danger of abuse. The Guam Police Department also shall send a written report 

within 48 hours of receiving the information concerning the incident to any agency to which it is required to make a 

telephone report.

Child Protective Services and the Guam Police Department, immediately or as soon as practicably possible, shall report 

by telephone to the appropriate Department of Defense Family Advocacy Program every known or suspected instance 

of child abuse reported to them when such report involves active duty military personnel or their dependents.

Hawaii

Haw. Rev. Stat. § 350-1.1(c) (LexisNexis through 2012 Reg. Sess.)

If a police department or the Department of Public Safety is the initiating agency, a written report shall be filed with the 

Department of Human Services for cases that the police or Department of Public Safety takes further action on or for 

active cases in the Department of Human Services under this chapter.

Haw. Rev. Stat. § 350-2(b)-(c) (LexisNexis through 2012 Reg. Sess.)

The Department of Human Services shall inform the appropriate police department of all reports received by the 

department regarding a case of child abuse or neglect, including reports received under § 350-1.1, provided that the 

name of the person who reported the case of child abuse or neglect shall be released to the police department pursuant 

only to court order or the person’s consent.

The department shall inform the appropriate police department or office of the prosecuting attorney of the relevant 

information concerning a case of child abuse or neglect when such information is required by the police department or 

the office of the prosecuting attorney for the investigation of that case--provided the name of the person who reported 

the case of child abuse or neglect shall be released only to a police department or an office of the prosecuting attorney 

pursuant to court order or the person’s consent.
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Idaho

Idaho Code § 16-1605(1) (LexisNexis through 2012 Reg. Sess.)

Any [mandated reporter] or other person having reason to believe that a child under age 18 years has been abused, 

abandoned, or neglected, or who observes the child being subjected to conditions or circumstances that would 

reasonably result in abuse, abandonment, or neglect, shall report or cause to be reported within 24 hours such 

conditions or circumstances to the proper law enforcement agency or the Department of Health and Welfare. The 

department shall be informed by law enforcement of any report made directly to it.

Illinois

325 Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. 5/7 (LexisNexis through 2012 Sess.)

Reports made to the central register through the statewide, toll-free telephone number shall be transmitted immediately 

by the Department of Children and Family Services to the appropriate Child Protective Service Unit. All such reports 

alleging the death of a child; serious injury to a child, including but not limited to, brain damage, skull fractures, subdural 

hematomas, and internal injuries; torture of a child; malnutrition of a child; and sexual abuse of a child, including but not 

limited to sexual intercourse, sexual exploitation, sexual molestation, and sexually transmitted disease in a child age 12 

and under, shall also be transmitted immediately by the department to the appropriate local law enforcement agency.

Within 24 hours, the department shall orally notify local law enforcement personnel and the Office of the State’s Attorney 

of the involved county of the receipt of any report alleging the death of a child; serious injury to a child, including but not 

limited to brain damage, skull fractures, subdural hematomas, and internal injuries; torture of a child; malnutrition of a 

child; and sexual abuse of a child, including but not limited to sexual intercourse, sexual exploitation, sexual molestation, 

and sexually transmitted disease in a child age 12 and under.

All oral reports made by the department to local law enforcement personnel and the Office of the State’s Attorney of the 

involved county shall be confirmed in writing within 24 hours of the oral report. 

Indiana

Ind. Code Ann. § 31-33-7-7 (LexisNexis through 2012 2nd Reg. Sess.)

When a law enforcement agency receives an initial report under the reporting law that a child may be a victim of child 

abuse or neglect, the law enforcement agency shall:

• Immediately communicate the report to the Department of Child Services, whether or not the law enforcement 

agency has reason to believe there exists an imminent danger to the child’s health or welfare

• Conduct an immediate onsite assessment of the report along with the department whenever the law enforcement 

agency has reason to believe that an offense has been committed

In all cases, the law enforcement agency shall forward any information (including copies of assessment reports) on 

incidents of cases in which a child may be a victim of child abuse or neglect, whether or not obtained under the reporting 

laws, to the department and the juvenile court.

Ind. Code Ann. § 31-33-7-5 (LexisNexis through 2012 2nd Reg. Sess.)

A copy of the written report from the Department of Child Services immediately shall be made available to:

• The appropriate law enforcement agency 

• The prosecuting attorney

• In a case involving death, the coroner for the coroner’s consideration
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Iowa

Iowa Code Ann. § 232.70(5), (7), (8) (LexisNexis through 2011 Supp.)

Upon receipt of a report, the Department of Human Services shall do all of the following:

• Immediately make a determination whether the report constitutes an allegation of child abuse

• Notify the appropriate county attorney of receipt of the report 

If the report is made to any agency other than the Department of Human Services, such agency promptly shall refer the 

report to the Department of Human Services.

If a report would be determined to constitute an allegation of child abuse relating to a sexual offense with or to a child, 

except that the suspected abuse resulted from the acts or omissions of a person other than a person responsible for the 

care of the child, the department shall refer the report to the appropriate law enforcement agency having jurisdiction 

to investigate the allegation. The department shall refer the report orally as soon as practicable and in writing within 72 

hours of receiving the report.

Kansas

Kan. Ann. Stat. § 38-2226(a), (b), (f) (LexisNexis through 2011 Supp.) 

The Secretary of Social and Rehabilitative Services and law enforcement officers shall have the duty to receive and 

investigate reports of child abuse or neglect for the purpose of determining whether the report is valid and whether 

action is required to protect a child. If the secretary and such officers determine that no action is necessary to protect the 

child but that a criminal prosecution should be considered, such law enforcement officers shall make a report of the case 

to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

When a report of child abuse or neglect indicates that there is serious physical harm to, serious deterioration of, or 

sexual abuse of the child, and that action may be required to protect the child, the investigation shall be conducted as 

a joint effort between the secretary and the appropriate law enforcement agency or agencies, with a free exchange of 

information between them pursuant to § 38-2210. If a statement of a suspect is obtained by either agency, a copy of the 

statement shall be provided to the other.

Law enforcement agencies and the secretary shall assist each other in taking action that is necessary to protect a child 

regardless of which agency conducted the initial investigation.

Kan. Ann. Stat. § 38-2223(c) (LexisNexis through Kan. 2012 Legis. Serv., Ch. 162)

Reports made pursuant to this section shall be made to the secretary, except as follows:

• When the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services is not open for business, reports shall be made to 

the appropriate law enforcement agency. On the next day that the department is open for business, the law 

enforcement agency shall report to the department any report received and any investigation initiated pursuant to 

§ 38-2226. The reports may be made orally or, on request of the secretary, in writing.

• Reports of child abuse or neglect occurring in an institution operated by the Secretary of Social and Rehabilitation 

Services or the Commissioner of Juvenile Justice shall be made to the attorney general.

• All other reports of child abuse or neglect by persons employed by or of children of persons employed by the 

Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services shall be made to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
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Kentucky

Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 620.030(1), (4) (LexisNexis through 2012 1st Ex. Sess.)

If the Cabinet of Health and Family Services receives a report of abuse or neglect allegedly committed by a person other 

than a parent, guardian, or person exercising custodial control or supervision, the cabinet shall refer that matter to the 

Commonwealth’s attorney or the county attorney and the local law enforcement agency or the Kentucky State Police. 

Nothing in this section shall relieve individuals of their obligation to report.

The cabinet upon request shall receive from any agency of the State or any other agency, institution, or facility providing 

services to the child or his or her family, such cooperation, assistance, and information as will enable the cabinet to fulfill 

its responsibilities under the law.

Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 620.040(1)(c)-(d), (3) (LexisNexis through 2012 1st Ex. Sess.)

Within 72 hours, exclusive of weekends and holidays, the Cabinet of Health and Family Services shall make a written 

report to the Commonwealth’s or county attorney and the local enforcement agency or Kentucky State Police concerning 

the action that has been taken on the investigation.

If the report alleges abuse or neglect by someone other than a parent, guardian, or person exercising custodial control or 

supervision, the cabinet immediately shall notify the Commonwealth’s or county attorney and the local law enforcement 

agency or Kentucky State Police.

If the cabinet or its designated representative receives a report of abuse by a person other than a parent, guardian, or 

other person exercising custodial control or supervision of a child, it immediately shall notify the local law enforcement 

agency or Kentucky State Police and the Commonwealth’s or county attorney of the receipt of the report and its 

contents, and they shall investigate the matter. The cabinet or its designated representative shall participate in an 

investigation of noncustodial physical abuse or neglect at the request of the local law enforcement agency or the 

Kentucky State Police. The cabinet shall participate in all investigations of reported or suspected sexual abuse of a child.

Louisiana

La. Children’s Code Art. 610(E) (LexisNexis through 2012 Reg. Sess.)

All reports made to any local or State law enforcement agency involving abuse or neglect in which the child’s parent 

or caregiver, a person who maintains an interpersonal dating or engagement relationship with the parent or caregiver, 

or a person living in the same residence with the parent or caregiver as a spouse, whether married or not, is believed 

responsible shall be communicated promptly to the Department of Social Services through the designated State child 

protection reporting hotline telephone number in accordance with a written working agreement developed between the 

local law enforcement agency and the department.

The department shall communicate promptly cases of abuse or neglect not involving a parent, caregiver, or occupant of 

the household to the appropriate law enforcement agency in accordance with a written working agreement developed 

between the department and law enforcement agency. The department also shall report all cases of child death that 

involve a suspicion of abuse or neglect as a contributing factor in the child’s death to the local and State law enforcement 

agencies, the Office of the District Attorney, and the coroner.

Reports involving a felony-grade crime against a child shall be communicated promptly to the appropriate law 

enforcement authorities as part of the interagency protocols for multidisciplinary investigations of child abuse and 

neglect in each judicial district, as provided in Children’s Code Articles 509 and 510.
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Maine

Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. Tit. 22, § 4011-A(1), (2) (LexisNexis through 8-29-12)

Persons [who are mandated by law to report] immediately shall report or cause a report to be made to the Department 

of Health and Human Services when the person knows or has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been or is 

likely to be abused or neglected.

When, while acting in a professional capacity, any person required to report knows or has reasonable cause to suspect 

that a child has been abused or neglected by a person not responsible for the child, the person immediately shall report 

or cause a report to be made to the appropriate district attorney’s office.

Maryland

Md. Code Ann. Fam. Law § 5-704(b) (LexisNexis through 2012 2nd Spec. Sess.)

An individual who notifies the appropriate authorities under this section shall make:

• An oral report, by telephone or direct communication, as soon as possible to the local department or appropriate 

law enforcement agency

• A written report to the local department no later than 48 hours after the contact, examination, attention, or 

treatment that caused the individual to believe that the child had been subjected to abuse or neglect, with a copy 

to the local State’s attorney

An agency to which an oral report of suspected abuse or neglect is made immediately shall notify the other agency. 

This paragraph does not prohibit a local department and an appropriate law enforcement agency from agreeing to 

cooperative arrangements.

Massachusetts

Mass. Gen. Laws Ann. Ch. 119, § 51B(l) (LexisNexis through 2012 Sess.)

If the department substantiates a report alleging that abuse or neglect occurred at a facility approved, owned, operated, 

or funded, in whole or in part, by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Department of Early 

Education and Care, Department of Mental Health, Department of Developmental Services, Department of Public 

Health, or Department of Youth Services, the department shall notify the Office of the Child Advocate and the affected 

department, in writing, by transmitting a copy of the report filed under § 51A and the department’s written evaluation 

and written determination.

If the department is aware of a licensing violation in any such facility, the department shall immediately notify the 

affected department.

No provision of law shall prohibit:

• The department from transmitting copies of reports filed under section 51A or its written evaluations and written 

determinations to the Office of the Child Advocate or the affected departments

• The department, the Office of the Child Advocate, and the affected departments from coordinating activities and 

sharing information for the purposes of this section or for investigating a licensing violation

• The department’s employees from testifying at administrative hearings held by the affected department in 

connection with a licensing violation
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Mass. Gen. Laws Ann. Ch. 119, § 51B(k) (LexisNexis through 2012 Sess.)

The department shall notify and shall transmit copies of substantiated 51A reports and its written evaluations and 

determinations to the district attorney for the county in which the child resides and in which the suspected abuse or 

neglect occurred, and to the local law enforcement authorities in the city or town in which the child resides and in 

which the suspected abuse or neglect occurred when the department has reasonable cause to believe that one of the 

conditions listed below resulted from abuse or neglect.

The department immediately shall report to the district attorney and local law enforcement authorities listed above when 

early evidence indicates there is reasonable cause to believe that one of the conditions listed below resulted from abuse 

or neglect:

• A child has died or has suffered brain damage, loss or substantial impairment of a bodily function or organ, 

substantial disfigurement, or serious physical injury, including but not limited to a fracture of any bone, a severe 

burn, an impairment of any organ, or an injury requiring the child to be placed on life-support systems.

• A child has been sexually assaulted.

• A child has been sexually exploited, is a sexually exploited child, or a child who is otherwise a human trafficking 

victim.

• Any other disclosure of physical abuse involving physical evidence that may be destroyed, any current disclosure 

by a child of sexual assault, or the presence of physical evidence of sexual assault.

No provision relating to confidential data or confidential communications shall prohibit the department from making 

such notifications or from providing to the district attorney or local law enforcement authorities any information obtained 

under this section. Nothing herein shall be construed to prevent the department from notifying a district attorney relative 

to any incident reported to the department under § 51A or to limit the prosecutorial power of a district attorney.

Michigan

Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. § 722.623(b)(7) (LexisNexis through 2012 Sess.)

If a local law enforcement agency receives an allegation or written report of suspected child abuse or child neglect or 

discovers evidence of or receives a report of an individual allowing a child to be exposed to or to have contact with 

methamphetamine production, and the allegation, written report, or subsequent investigation indicates that the child 

abuse or child neglect or allowing a child to be exposed to or to have contact with methamphetamine production was 

committed by a person responsible for the child’s health or welfare, the local law enforcement agency shall refer the 

allegation or provide a copy of the written report and the results of any investigation to the county department of the 

county in which the abused or neglected child is found. 

If an allegation, written report, or subsequent investigation indicates that the individual who committed the suspected 

abuse or neglect or allowed a child to be exposed to or to have contact with methamphetamine production is a child 

care provider and the local law enforcement agency believes that the report has basis in fact, the local law enforcement 

agency shall transmit a copy of the written report or the results of the investigation to the child care regulatory agency 

with authority over the child care provider’s child care organization or adult foster care location authorized to care for a 

child. Nothing in this subsection or subsection (1) shall be construed to relieve the department of its responsibilities to 

investigate reports of suspected child abuse or child neglect under this act.
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Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. § 722.623(b)(5)-(6) (LexisNexis through 2012 Sess.)

Upon receipt of a written report of suspected child abuse or neglect, the Family Independence Agency (department) 

may provide copies to the prosecuting attorney and the probate court of the counties in which the child suspected of 

being abused or neglected resides and is found.

If an allegation, written report, or subsequent investigation of suspected child abuse or child neglect indicates a violation 

of the Michigan penal code § 333.7401c involving methamphetamine has occurred, or if the allegation, written report, 

or subsequent investigation indicates that the suspected child abuse or child neglect was committed by an individual 

who is not a person responsible for the child’s health or welfare, including, but not limited to, a member of the clergy, a 

teacher, or a teacher’s aide, the department shall transmit a copy of the allegation or written report and the results of any 

investigation to a law enforcement agency in the county in which the incident occurred.

If an allegation, written report, or subsequent investigation indicates that the individual who committed the suspected 

abuse or neglect is a child care provider and the department believes that the report has basis in fact, the department 

shall, within 24 hours of completion, transmit a copy of the written report or the results of the investigation to the child 

care regulatory agency with authority over the child care provider’s child care organization or adult foster care location 

authorized to care for a child.

Minnesota

Minn. Stat. Ann. § 626.556, Subd. 10(a), 10a(a)-(b) (LexisNexis through 2012 Spec. Sess.)

If the report alleges neglect, physical abuse, or sexual abuse by a parent, guardian, or individual functioning within the 

family unit as a person responsible for the child’s care, or sexual abuse by a person with a significant relationship to 

the child when that person resides in the child’s household or by a sibling, the local welfare agency immediately shall 

conduct a family assessment or investigation.

If the report alleges a violation of a criminal statute involving sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, or endangerment, 

the local law enforcement agency and local welfare agency shall coordinate the planning and execution of their 

respective investigation and assessment efforts to avoid a duplication of fact-finding efforts and multiple interviews.

If the report alleges neglect, physical abuse, or sexual abuse by a person who is not a parent, guardian, sibling, person 

responsible for the child’s care functioning within the family unit, or a person who lives in the child’s household and who 

has a significant relationship to the child in a setting other than a facility, the local welfare agency immediately shall notify 

the appropriate law enforcement agency. The law enforcement agency shall conduct an investigation of the alleged 

abuse or neglect if a violation of a criminal statute is alleged.

The local agency may rely on the fact-finding efforts of the law enforcement investigation to make a determination 

whether or not threatened harm or other maltreatment has occurred if an alleged offender has minor children or lives 

with minors.

Minn. Stat. Ann. § 626.556, Subd. 3 & 7 (LexisNexis through 2012 Spec. Sess.)

The police department or the county sheriff, upon receiving a report, immediately shall notify the local welfare agency 

or agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report, orally and in writing. The local welfare agency or agency 

responsible for assessing or investigating the report, upon receiving a report, immediately shall notify the local police 

department or the county sheriff orally and in writing. The county sheriff, the head of every local welfare agency or 

agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report, and police department each shall designate a person within 

that agency, department, or office to be responsible for ensuring that the notification duties of this statute are carried 

out.

Written reports received by a police department or the county sheriff shall be forwarded immediately to the local 

welfare agency or the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report. The police department or the county 

sheriff may keep copies of reports received by them. Copies of written reports received by a local welfare department 

or the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report shall be forwarded immediately to the local police 

department or the county sheriff.
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Mississippi

Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-353(1), (8) (LexisNexis through 2012 Reg. Sess.)

Upon receiving a report that a child has been sexually abused, or burned, tortured, mutilated, or otherwise physically 

abused in such a manner as to cause serious bodily harm, or upon receiving any report of abuse that would be a felony 

under State or Federal law, the Department of Human Services immediately shall notify the law enforcement agency in 

whose jurisdiction the abuse occurred and shall notify the appropriate prosecutor within 48 hours. 

The department shall have the duty to provide the law enforcement agency all the names and facts known at the time of 

the report; this duty shall be of a continuing nature. The law enforcement agency and the department shall investigate 

the reported abuse immediately, file a preliminary report with the appropriate prosecutor’s office within 24 hours, and 

make additional reports as new or additional information or evidence becomes available. The department shall advise 

the clerk of the youth court and the youth court prosecutor of all cases of abuse reported to the department within 72 

hours and shall update such report as information becomes available.

If a report is made directly to the department that a child has been abused or neglected in an out-of-home setting, a 

referral shall be made immediately to the law enforcement agency in whose jurisdiction the abuse occurred, and the 

department shall the notify the district attorney’s office within 48 hours of such report.

Missouri

Mo. Ann. Stat. § 210.145(5), (6), (11) (LexisNexis through 2012 Reg. Sess.)

The local office shall contact the appropriate law enforcement agency immediately upon receipt of a report that division 

personnel determine merits an investigation and provide such agency with a detailed description of the report received. 

In such cases, the local division office shall request the assistance of the local law enforcement agency in all aspects 

of the investigation of the complaint. The appropriate law enforcement agency shall either assist the division in the 

investigation or provide the division, within 24 hours, an explanation in writing detailing the reasons why it is unable to 

assist.

The local office of the division shall cause an investigation or family assessment and services approach to be initiated 

in accordance with the protocols established in § 210.145(2), except in cases where the sole basis for the report is 

educational neglect. If the report indicates the child is in danger of serious physical harm or threat to life, an investigation 

shall include direct observation of the subject child within 24 hours of the receipt of the report. Local law enforcement 

shall take all necessary steps to facilitate such direct observation.

Multidisciplinary teams shall be used whenever conducting the investigation as determined by the division in conjunction 

with local law enforcement. Multidisciplinary teams shall be used in providing protective or preventive social services, 

including the services of law enforcement, a liaison of the local public school, the juvenile officer, the juvenile court, and 

other agencies, both public and private.

Montana

Mont. Code Ann. § 41-3-202(1) (LexisNexis through 8-21-12)

Upon receipt of a report that a child is or has been abused or neglected, the Department of Public Health and Human 

Services promptly shall assess the information contained in the report and make a determination regarding the level 

of response required and the timeframe within which action must be initiated. If the department determines that an 

investigation is required, a social worker, the county attorney, or a peace officer promptly shall conduct a thorough 

investigation into the circumstances surrounding the allegations of abuse or neglect of the child.
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Nebraska

Neb. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 28-711 (LexisNexis through 2012 2nd Sess.)

Law enforcement agencies receiving any reports of child abuse or neglect under this subsection shall notify the 

Department of Health and Human Services the next working day by phone or mail.

The department shall establish a statewide toll-free number to be used by any person any hour of the day or night, any 

day of the week, to make reports of child abuse or neglect. Reports of child abuse or neglect not previously made to or 

by a law enforcement agency shall be made immediately to such agency by the department.

Neb. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 28-713(1), (4), (5) (LexisNexis through 2012 2nd Sess.)

Upon the receipt of a call reporting child abuse and neglect, it is the duty of the law enforcement agency to investigate 

the report, to take immediate steps to protect the child, and to institute legal proceedings if appropriate. In situations 

of alleged out-of-home child abuse or neglect, if the person or persons to be notified have not already been notified 

and the person to be notified is not the subject of the report of child abuse or neglect, the law enforcement agency 

immediately shall notify the person or persons having custody of each child who has allegedly been abused or neglected 

that such report of alleged child abuse or neglect has been made and shall provide such person or persons with 

information of the nature of the alleged child abuse or neglect.

The law enforcement agency may request assistance from the department during the investigation and, by the next 

working day, shall notify either the hotline or the department of receipt of the report, including whether or not an 

investigation is being undertaken by the law enforcement agency. A copy of all reports, whether or not an investigation is 

being undertaken, shall be provided to the department.

By the next working day after receiving a report of child abuse or neglect, the department shall make a written report or 

a summary on forms provided by the department to the proper law enforcement agency in the county and enter in the 

tracking system of child protection cases maintained pursuant to § 28-715 all reports of child abuse or neglect opened 

for investigation and any action taken. 

Upon request, the department shall make available to the appropriate investigating law enforcement agency and the 

county attorney a copy of all reports relative to a case of suspected child abuse or neglect.

Nevada

Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 432B.260(1), (9) (LexisNexis through 6-1-12)

Upon the receipt of a report concerning the possible abuse or neglect of a child, an agency that provides child welfare 

services or a law enforcement agency promptly shall notify the appropriate licensing authority, if any. A law enforcement 

agency promptly shall notify an agency that provides child welfare services of any report it receives.

An agency that provides child welfare services and a law enforcement agency shall cooperate in the investigation, if any, 

of a report of abuse or neglect of a child.

New Hampshire

N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 169-C:38-a (LexisNexis through 2012 Sess.)

The Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Justice shall develop jointly a standardized 

protocol for the interviewing of victims and the investigation and assessment of cases of child abuse and neglect. The 

protocol shall seek to minimize the impact on the victim. The protocol also shall be designed to protect the rights of all 

parties affected. The protocol shall address specifically the need to establish safe and appropriate places for interviewing 

children.
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N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 169-C:38 (I)-(II) (LexisNexis through 2012 Sess.)

The Department of Health and Human Services immediately, by telephone or in person, shall refer all cases in which 

there is reason to believe that any person under age 18 has been sexually molested, sexually exploited, intentionally 

physically injured so as to cause serious bodily injury, physically injured by other than accidental means so as to cause 

serious bodily injury, and/or is a victim of a crime to the local law enforcement agency in the community in which the acts 

of abuse are believed to have occurred. The department also shall make a written report to the law enforcement agency 

within 48 hours, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays excluded. A copy of this report shall be sent to the office of the county 

attorney. 

All law enforcement personnel and department employees shall cooperate in limiting the number of interviews of a child 

victim and, when appropriate, shall conduct joint interviews of the child. Employees of the department shall share with 

the investigating police officers all information in their possession that is lawful for them to disclose to a law enforcement 

agency. Investigating police officers shall not use or reveal any confidential information shared with them by the 

department except to the extent necessary for the investigation and prosecution of the case. 

New Jersey

N.J. Stat. Ann. § 9:6-8.10a(e) (LexisNexis through 2012 1st Ann. Sess.)

For incidents determined by the Department of Children and Families to be substantiated, the department shall forward 

to the police or law enforcement agency in whose jurisdiction the child named in the report resides the identities of 

persons alleged to have committed child abuse or neglect and of victims of child abuse or neglect, their addresses, the 

nature of the allegations, and other relevant information, including but not limited to prior reports of abuse or neglect 

and names of siblings obtained by the department during its investigation of a report of child abuse or neglect. The 

police or law enforcement agency shall keep such information confidential.

N.J. Stat. Ann. § 9:6-8.11 (LexisNexis through 2012 1st Ann. Sess.)

Upon receipt of any such report, the Division of Child Protection and Permanency, or other such entity in the Department 

of Children and Families as may be designated by the Commissioner of Children and Families to investigate child abuse 

or neglect, immediately shall take such action as shall be necessary to ensure the safety of the child and to that end may 

request and shall receive appropriate assistance from local and State law enforcement officials. 

A representative of the division or other designated entity shall initiate an investigation within 24 hours of receipt of the 

report, unless the division or other entity authorizes a delay based upon the request of a law enforcement official. The 

division or other entity also, within 72 hours, shall forward a report of such matter to the child abuse registry operated by 

the division in Trenton.

New Mexico

N.M. Stat. Ann. § 32A-4-3(B) (LexisNexis through 2012 2nd Sess.)

Any law enforcement agency receiving the report immediately shall transmit the facts of the report and the name, 

address, and phone number of the reporter by telephone to the Children, Youth and Families Department and shall 

transmit the same information in writing within 48 hours. 

The department immediately shall transmit the facts of the report and the name, address, and phone number of the 

reporter by telephone to a local law enforcement agency and shall transmit the same information in writing within 48 

hours.
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New York

N.Y. Soc. Serv. Law § 423(6) (LexisNexis through 2012 Sess.)

A social services district may establish a multidisciplinary investigative team or teams and may establish or work as part of 

a child advocacy center, at a local or regional level, for the purpose of investigating reports of suspected child abuse or 

maltreatment. 

The social services district shall have discretion with regard to the category or categories of suspected child abuse or 

maltreatment such team or teams may investigate, provided, however, the social services district shall place particular 

emphasis on cases involving the abuse of a child, sexual abuse of a child, or the death of a child. Members of 

multidisciplinary teams shall include but not be limited to representatives from the following agencies:

• Child protective services 

• Law enforcement

• The district attorney’s office

• A physician or medical provider trained in forensic pediatrics

• Mental health professionals

• Victim advocacy personnel

• A child advocacy center, if one exists

Members of the multidisciplinary team primarily responsible for the investigation of child abuse reports, including child 

protective services, law enforcement, and the district attorney’s office, shall participate in joint interviews and conduct 

investigative functions consistent with the mission of the particular agency member involved.

North Carolina

N.C. Gen. Stat. § 7B-301 (LexisNexis through 2012 Reg. Sess.)

Upon receipt of any report of sexual abuse of the juvenile in a child care facility, the director of the Department of Social 

Services shall notify the State Bureau of Investigation within 24 hours or on the next workday. If sexual abuse in a child 

care facility is not alleged in the initial report, but during the course of the assessment there is reason to suspect that 

sexual abuse has occurred, the director immediately shall notify the State Bureau of Investigation. Upon notification 

that sexual abuse may have occurred in a child care facility, the State Bureau of Investigation may form a task force to 

investigate the report.

N.C. Gen. Stat. § 7B-307(a) (LexisNexis through 2012 Reg. Sess.)

If the director of the Department of Social Services finds evidence that a juvenile may have been abused, the director 

shall make an immediate oral and subsequent written report of the findings to the district attorney or the district 

attorney’s designee and the appropriate local law enforcement agency within 48 hours after receipt of the report.

The local law enforcement agency immediately, but no later than 48 hours after receipt of a report of abuse, shall 

initiate and coordinate a criminal investigation with the protective services assessment being conducted by the 

county Department of Social Services. Upon completion of the investigation, the district attorney shall determine 

whether criminal prosecution is appropriate and may request the director or the director’s designee to appear before a 

magistrate.

If the director of the Department of Social Services receives information that a juvenile may have been physically harmed 

in violation of any criminal statute by any person other than the juvenile’s parent, guardian, custodian, or caregiver, the 

director shall make an immediate oral report and subsequent written report of that information to the district attorney or 

the district attorney’s designee and to the appropriate local law enforcement agency within 48 hours after receipt of the 

information.

The local law enforcement agency shall initiate a criminal investigation immediately and no later than 48 hours after 

receipt of the information. Upon completion of the investigation, the district attorney shall determine whether criminal 

prosecution is appropriate.
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North Dakota

N.D. Cent. Code § 50-25.1-05 (LexisNexis through 9-25-12)

The Department of Human Services, in accordance with rules adopted by the department, immediately shall initiate or 

cause to be initiated an assessment of any report of child abuse or neglect, including (when appropriate) the assessment 

of the home or the residence of the child, any school or child care facility attended by the child, and the circumstances 

surrounding the report of abuse or neglect.

If the report alleges a violation of a criminal statute involving sexual or physical abuse, the department and an 

appropriate law enforcement agency shall coordinate the planning and execution of their investigation efforts to avoid a 

duplication of fact-finding efforts and multiple interviews. The department or the law enforcement agency may:

• Refer the case to a children’s advocacy center for a forensic interview, forensic medical examination, and other 

services

• Interview, without the consent of a person responsible for the child’s welfare, the alleged abused or neglected 

child and any other child who currently resides or who has resided with the person responsible for the child’s 

welfare or the alleged perpetrator

• Conduct the interview at a school, child care facility, or any other place where the alleged abused or neglected 

child or other child is found

The department shall adopt guidelines for case referrals to a children’s advocacy center. When cases are referred to a 

children’s advocacy center, all interviews of the alleged abused or neglected child conducted at the children’s advocacy 

center under this section shall be audio or video recorded.

Northern Mariana Islands

N.M.I. Commonwealth Code Tit. 6, § 5313(b) (9-30-12)

The Department of Public Safety promptly shall notify the Office of the Attorney General and the Division of Youth 

Services of all reported cases of child abuse, neglect, and sexual molestation. This notification shall be made within 24 

hours.

Ohio

Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 2151.421(D) (LexisNexis through 9-28-12)

When a municipal or county peace officer receives a report concerning the possible abuse or neglect of a child or the 

possible threat of abuse or neglect of a child, upon receipt of the report, the municipal or county peace officer who 

receives the report shall refer the report to the appropriate public children services agency.

When a public children services agency receives a report pursuant to this division or division (A) or (B) of this section, 

upon receipt of the report, the public children services agency shall do both of the following:

• It shall comply with § 2151.422 [concerning procedures to follow if the child is living in a domestic violence or 

homeless shelter].

• If the county served by the agency also is served by a children’s advocacy center and the report alleges sexual 

abuse of a child or another type of abuse of a child that is specified in the memorandum of understanding 

that creates the center as being within the center’s jurisdiction, the agency shall comply with the protocol and 

procedures for referrals and investigations, with the coordinating activities, and with the authority or responsibility 

for performing or providing functions, activities, and services stipulated in the interagency agreement entered into 

under § 2151.428 relative to that center.
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Ohio Rev. Code Ann, § 2151.428(F) (LexisNexis through 9-28-12)

Except as provided by statute or in an interagency agreement entered into under § 2151.428 that applies to the 

particular report, the public children services agency shall investigate, within 24 hours, each report of known or 

suspected child abuse or child neglect and of a known or suspected threat of child abuse or child neglect that is referred 

to it to determine the circumstances surrounding the injuries, abuse, or neglect or the threat of injury, abuse, or neglect; 

the cause of the injuries, abuse, neglect, or threat; and the person or persons responsible. 

The investigation shall be made in cooperation with the law enforcement agency and in accordance with the 

memorandum of understanding prepared under § 2151.428(J). A representative of the public children services agency 

shall, at the time of initial contact with the person subject to the investigation, inform the person of the specific 

complaints or allegations made against the person. The information shall be given in a manner that is consistent with § 

2151.428(H)(1) and protects the rights of the person making the report. 

The public children services agency shall report each case to a central registry that the Department of Job and Family 

Services shall maintain in order to determine whether prior reports have been made in other counties concerning the 

child or other principals in the case. The public children services agency shall submit a report of its investigation, in 

writing, to the law enforcement agency. 

The public children services agency shall make any recommendations to the county prosecuting attorney or city director 

of law that it considers necessary to protect any children that are brought to its attention.

Oklahoma

Okla. Stat. Ann. Tit. 10A, § 1-2-102(C) (LexisNexis through Okla. 2012 Legis. Serv., Ch. 91)

Any law enforcement agency receiving a referral shall provide the department with a copy of the report of any 

investigation resulting from a referral from the department.

Whenever, in the course of any criminal investigation, a law enforcement agency determines that there is cause to 

believe that a child (other than a child in the custody of the Office of Juvenile Affairs and placed in an Office of Juvenile 

Affairs secure juvenile facility) may be abused or neglected by reason of the acts, omissions, or failures on the part of a 

person responsible for the health, safety, or welfare of the child, the law enforcement agency immediately shall contact 

the department for the purpose of an investigation.

Okla. Stat. Ann. Tit. 10A, § 1-2-102(B) (LexisNexis through Okla. 2012 Legis. Serv., Ch. 91)

If, upon receipt of a report alleging abuse or neglect or during the assessment or investigation, the Department of 

Human Services determines that the alleged perpetrator is someone other than a person responsible for the child’s 

health, safety, or welfare, and the alleged abuse or neglect of the child does not appear to be attributable to failure 

on the part of a person responsible for the child’s health, safety, or welfare to provide protection for the child, the 

department immediately shall make a referral, either verbally or in writing, to the appropriate local law enforcement 

agency for the purpose of conducting a possible criminal investigation.

After making the referral to the law enforcement agency, the department shall not be responsible for further investigation 

unless:

• The department has reason to believe the alleged perpetrator is a parent of another child, not the subject of the 

criminal investigation, or is otherwise a person responsible for the health, safety, or welfare of another child.

• Notice is received from a law enforcement agency that it has determined the alleged perpetrator is a parent of or 

a person responsible for the health, safety, or welfare of another child not the subject of the criminal investigation.

• The appropriate law enforcement agency requests the department, in writing, to participate in the investigation. 

If funds and personnel are available, as determined by the director of the department or a designee, the 

department may assist law enforcement in interviewing children alleged to be victims of physical or sexual abuse.
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Oregon

Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 419B.015(1)(b), (2) (LexisNexis through 9-26-12)

When a report of child abuse is received by the Department of Human Services, the department shall notify a law 

enforcement agency within the county where the report was made. When a report of child abuse is received by a 

designee of the department, the designee shall notify, according to the contract, either the department or a law 

enforcement agency within the county where the report was made. When a report of child abuse is received by a law 

enforcement agency, the agency shall notify the local office of the department within the county where the report was 

made. 

When a report of child abuse is received under § 419B.015(1)(A), the entity receiving the report shall make the 

notification required by the subsection above according to rules adopted by the department. 

Pennsylvania

23 Pa. Cons. Stat. Ann. § 6365(c) (LexisNexis through 2012 Reg. Sess.)

The county agency and the district attorney shall develop a protocol for the convening of investigative teams for any 

case of child abuse involving crimes against children that are set forth in § 6340(a)(9) and (10) (relating to the release of 

information in confidential reports). The county protocol shall include standards and procedures to be used in receiving 

and referring reports and coordinating investigations of reported cases of child abuse and a system for sharing the 

information obtained as a result of any interview. The protocol shall include any other standards and procedures to avoid 

duplication of fact-finding efforts and interviews to minimize the trauma to the child.

The district attorney shall convene an investigative team in accordance with the protocol. The investigative team shall 

consist of those individuals and agencies responsible for investigating the abuse or for providing services to the child and 

shall, at a minimum, include a health-care provider, county caseworker, and law enforcement official.

Puerto Rico

P.R. Laws Ann. tit. 8, § 444c (LexisNexis through Dec. 2009)

To guarantee faithful compliance with the public policy set forth in this chapter, the agencies and municipalities of 

the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico shall give priority to any situations of abuse, institutional abuse, neglect, and/or 

institutional neglect of which they become aware. The Department of the Family, the Department of Education, the 

Department of Health, the Mental Health and Addiction Services Administration, the Department of Housing, the 

Department of Justice, the Puerto Rico Police, the Puerto Rico Broadcasting Corporation, the Corrections Administration, 

and the Administration of Juvenile Institutions shall be under the obligation, with the urgency and sensitivity merited by 

each case, to give priority to attending to situations of abuse, institutional abuse, neglect, and/or institutional neglect. 

They shall coordinate their efforts when services are needed in connection with the identification, prevention, or 

treatment of minors who are victims of abuse, institutional abuse, neglect, and/or institutional neglect.

Agency coordination shall include joint planning, public education and information services, the use of each other’s 

facilities, joint training and activities for personnel development, and evaluation and handling of cases. Agencies and 

municipalities shall ensure that the services that have been delegated for their rendering onto privatized entities or 

providers offer immediate attention to situations where there is abuse.
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Rhode Island

R.I. Gen. Laws § 40-11-7(f) (LexisNexis through 2012 Sess.)

In the event that after investigation the Department of Children, Youth, and Families has reasonable cause to know or 

suspect that a child has been subjected to criminal abuse or neglect, the department shall forward immediately any 

information as it relates to that knowledge or suspicion to the law enforcement agency.

R.I. Gen. Laws § 40-11-9 (LexisNexis through 2012 Sess.)

Upon receipt of a report concerning the alleged abuse or neglect of a child, it shall be the duty of the law enforcement 

agency to investigate further and to report the results of the investigation to the Department of Children, Youth, and 

Families and/or family court; however, if there is reasonable cause to believe that a crime has been committed, the law 

enforcement agency shall report the result of the investigation to the department of the attorney general.

South Carolina

S.C. Code Ann. § 63-7-980 (LexisNexis through 2011 Reg. Sess.)

The Department of Social Services must cooperate with law enforcement agencies within the area it serves and establish 

procedures necessary to facilitate the referral of child protection cases to the department.

Where the facts indicating abuse or neglect also appear to indicate a violation of criminal law, the department must 

notify the appropriate law enforcement agency of those facts within 24 hours of the department’s finding for the 

purposes of police investigation. The law enforcement agency must file a formal incident report at the time it is notified 

by the department of the finding.

When the intake report is of alleged sexual abuse, the department must notify the appropriate law enforcement agency 

within 24 hours of receipt of the report to determine if a joint investigation is necessary. The law enforcement agency 

must file a formal incident report at the time it is notified of the alleged sexual abuse.

The law enforcement agency must provide to the department copies of incident reports generated in any case 

reported to law enforcement by the department and in any case in which the officer responsible for the case knows the 

department is involved with the family or the child. The law enforcement officer must make reasonable efforts to advise 

the department of significant developments in the case, such as disposition in summary court, referral of a juvenile to the 

Department of Juvenile Justice, arrest or detention, trial date, and disposition of charges.

The department must include in its records copies of incident reports provided under this section and must record the 

disposition of charges.

S.C. Code Ann. § 63-7-320 (LexisNexis through 2011 Reg. Sess.)

Where reports are made pursuant to § 63-7-310 to a law enforcement agency, the law enforcement agency shall notify 

the county Department of Social Services of the law enforcement’s response to the report at the earliest possible time.

Where a county or contiguous counties have established multicounty child protective services, the county Department of 

Social Services immediately shall transfer reports pursuant to this section to the service.

South Dakota

S.D. Codified Laws § 26-8A-8 (LexisNexis through 2012 Reg. Sess.)

The reports required from mandated reporters by the reporting laws shall be made orally and immediately, by telephone 

or otherwise, to the State’s attorney of the county in which the child resides or is present, to the Department of Social 

Services, or to law enforcement officers.

The State’s attorney or law enforcement officers, upon receiving a report, shall immediately notify the Department of 

Social Services. Any person receiving a report of suspected child abuse or child neglect shall keep the report confidential 

as provided by statute.
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Tennessee

Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-1-605(b)(2) (LexisNexis through 2012 Reg. Sess.)

If a law enforcement official or judge becomes aware of known or suspected child sexual abuse through personal 

knowledge, receipt of a report, or otherwise, such information shall be reported to the Department of Children’s 

Services immediately, and the child protective team shall be notified to investigate the report for the protection of the 

child in accordance with the provisions of this part. Further criminal investigation by such official shall be appropriately 

conducted.

Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-1-405(a), (b)(1)-(2) (LexisNexis through 2012 Reg. Sess.)

All cases reported to the juvenile court judge or to State or local law enforcement officers shall be referred immediately 

to the local director of the county office of the Department of Children’s Services for investigation.

If the court or law enforcement officer finds that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the child is suffering 

from illness or injury or is in immediate danger from the child’s surroundings and that the child’s removal is necessary, 

appropriate protective action shall be taken.

The county office of the Department of Children’s Services or the office of the sheriff or the chief law enforcement official 

of the municipality where the child resides, upon receipt of a report of harm or sexual abuse, shall give notice of the 

report to the judge having juvenile jurisdiction where the child resides.

If the case appears to involve severe child abuse, including child sexual abuse, the county director of the Department 

of Children’s Services immediately shall notify and consult with the district attorney general where the harm occurred, 

and the district attorney general may take such action as the district attorney general deems appropriate, including 

petitioning the court for removal of the child or termination of parental rights.

Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-1-403(c)(1) (LexisNexis through 2012 Reg. Sess.)

If a law enforcement official or judge becomes aware of known or suspected child abuse through personal knowledge, 

receipt of a report, or otherwise, such information shall be reported to the Department of Children’s Services immediately 

and, where appropriate, the child protective team shall be notified to investigate the report for the protection of the 

child in accordance with the provisions of this part. Further criminal investigation by such official shall be conducted 

appropriately in coordination with the team or department to the maximum extent possible.
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Texas

Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 261.105 (LexisNexis through 2011 1st Sess.)

All reports received by a local or State law enforcement agency that allege abuse or neglect by a person responsible for 

a child’s care, custody, or welfare shall be referred immediately to the Department of Family and Protective Services or 

the designated agency.

The department or designated agency immediately shall notify the appropriate State or local law enforcement agency of 

any report it receives (other than a report from a law enforcement agency) that concerns the suspected abuse or neglect 

of a child or the death of a child from abuse or neglect.

In addition to notifying a law enforcement agency, if the report relates to a child in a facility operated, licensed, certified, 

or registered by a State agency, the department shall refer the report to the agency for investigation.

If a report relates to a child with mental retardation receiving services in a State-supported living center or the ICF-MR 

component of the Rio Grande State Center, the department shall proceed with the investigation of the report.

If the department initiates an investigation and determines that the abuse or neglect does not involve a person 

responsible for the child’s care, custody, or welfare, the department shall refer the report to a law enforcement agency for 

further investigation. If the department determines that the abuse or neglect involves an employee of a public primary or 

secondary school, and that the child is a student at the school, the department shall orally notify the superintendent of 

the school district in which the employee is employed about the investigation.

In cooperation with the department, the Texas Youth Commission by rule shall adopt guidelines for identifying a report 

made to the commission that is appropriate to refer to the department or a law enforcement agency for investigation. 

Guidelines adopted under this subsection must require the commission to consider the severity and immediacy of the 

alleged abuse or neglect of the child victim.

Tex. Fam. Code Ann. § 261.1055 (LexisNexis through 2011 1st Sess.)

A district attorney may inform the Department of Family and Protective Services or designated agency that the district 

attorney wishes to receive notification of some or all reports of suspected abuse or neglect of children who were in the 

county at the time the report was made or who were in the county at the time of the alleged abuse or neglect.

If the district attorney makes the notification under this section, the department or designated agency, on receipt of a 

report of suspected abuse or neglect, immediately shall notify the district attorney as requested, and the department or 

designated agency shall forward a copy of the reports to the district attorney on request.

Utah

Utah Code Ann. § 62A-4a-403(1)(b) (LexisNexis through 2012 4th Sp. Sess.)

On receipt of the notice of suspected child abuse or neglect, the peace officer or law enforcement agency immediately 

shall notify the nearest office of the Division of Child and Family Services.

If an initial report of child abuse or neglect is made to the division, the division immediately shall notify the appropriate 

local law enforcement agency. The division, in addition to its own investigation, shall comply with and lend support to 

investigations by law enforcement undertaken pursuant to a report made under the reporting laws.

Vermont

Vt. Stat. Ann. Tit. 33, § 4918(a) (LexisNexis through 2012 Sess.)

Multidisciplinary teams shall assist local district offices of the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services in 

identifying and treating child abuse and neglect cases. With respect to any case referred to it, the team shall assist the 

district office by providing: 

• Case diagnosis or identification

• A comprehensive treatment plan

• Coordination of services pursuant to the treatment plan
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Vt. Stat. Ann. Tit. 33, § 4915 (LexisNexis through 2012 Sess.)

Upon receipt of a report of abuse or neglect, the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services promptly shall 

determine whether it constitutes an allegation of child abuse or neglect as defined by law.

If the report is accepted as a valid allegation of abuse or neglect, the department shall determine whether to conduct an 

assessment or to conduct an investigation. The department shall begin either an assessment or an investigation within 72 

hours after the receipt of a report, provided that it has sufficient information to proceed. 

The department shall conduct an investigation when an accepted report involves allegations indicating substantial child 

endangerment. ‘Substantial child endangerment’ includes conduct by an adult involving or resulting in sexual abuse 

and conduct by a person responsible for a child’s welfare involving or resulting in abandonment, child fatality, malicious 

punishment, or abuse or neglect that causes serious physical injury. The department may conduct an investigation of any 

report.

The department shall begin an immediate investigation if, at any time during an assessment, it appears that an 

investigation is appropriate.

The department may collaborate with child protection, law enforcement, and other departments and agencies in 

Vermont and other jurisdictions to evaluate risk to a child and to determine the service needs of the child and family. The 

department may enter into reciprocal agreements with other jurisdictions to further the purposes of this subchapter.

Vt. Stat. Ann. Tit. 33, § 4915b(e) (LexisNexis through 2012 Sess.)

The Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services shall report to and request assistance from law enforcement in the 

following circumstances:

• Investigations of child sexual abuse by an alleged perpetrator age 10 or older

• Investigations of serious physical abuse or neglect likely to result in criminal charges or requiring emergency 

medical care

• Situations potentially dangerous to the child or department worker

Virgin Islands

V.I. Code Ann. Tit. 5, § 2534(a) (LexisNexis through 2012 Reg. Sess.)

Reports of child abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect made pursuant to the reporting laws shall be made immediately by 

telephone or otherwise to the U.S. Virgin Islands Police Department (V.I.P.D.) or to the Department of Social Welfare. The 

V.I.P.D. shall relay such reports to the Department of Social Welfare immediately or, at the latest, at the commencement 

of the next regular office hours of the Department of Social Welfare. At the request of the Department of Social Welfare, 

an oral report shall be followed by a written report within 48 hours. 

V.I. Code Ann. Tit. 5, § 2536(f) (LexisNexis through 2012 Reg. Sess.)

The V.I.P.D., on its own initiative where appropriate or at the request of the Department of Social Welfare, shall 

investigate reports of alleged child abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect, and shall convey the results of such investigation to 

the Department of Social Welfare and, where a petition or complaint has been filed, to the Territorial Court. If the report 

of child abuse or neglect involves the acts or omissions of the Department of Social Welfare, the V.I.P.D. shall investigate 

such report and shall convey the results of such report to the Department of Law, which shall take appropriate action.

Virginia

Va. Code Ann. § 63.2-1507 (LexisNexis through 2012 Reg. Sess.)

All law enforcement departments and other State and local departments, agencies, authorities, and institutions shall 

cooperate with each child protective services coordinator of a local department and any multidiscipline teams in the 

detection and prevention of child abuse.
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Washington

Wash. Rev. Code Ann. § 26.44.030(4), (5) (LexisNexis through 2012 2nd Spec. Sess.)

The Department of Social and Health Services, upon receiving a report of an incident of alleged abuse or neglect 

involving a child who has died, has had physical injury or injuries inflicted upon him or her other than by accidental 

means, or who has been subjected to alleged sexual abuse, shall report such incident to the proper law enforcement 

agency.

In emergency cases, where the child’s welfare is endangered, the department shall notify the proper law enforcement 

agency within 24 hours after a report is received by the department. In all other cases, the department shall notify the 

law enforcement agency within 72 hours after a report is received by the department. If the department makes an oral 

report, a written report also shall be made to the proper law enforcement agency within 5 days thereafter.

Any law enforcement agency receiving a report of an incident of alleged abuse or neglect involving a child who has died, 

has had physical injury or injuries inflicted upon him or her other than by accidental means, or who has been subjected 

to alleged sexual abuse shall report such incident in writing as to the proper county prosecutor or city attorney for 

appropriate action whenever the law enforcement agency’s investigation reveals that a crime may have been committed.

The law enforcement agency also shall notify the department of all reports received and the law enforcement agency’s 

disposition of them. In emergency cases, where the child’s welfare is endangered, the law enforcement agency shall 

notify the department within 24 hours. In all other cases, the law enforcement agency shall notify the department within 

72 hours after a report is received by the law enforcement agency.

West Virginia

W. Va. Code Ann. § 49-6A-5 (LexisNexis through 2012 1st Ex. Sess.)

A copy of any report of serious physical abuse, sexual abuse, or assault shall be forwarded by the Department of Health 

and Human Resources to the appropriate law enforcement agency, the prosecuting attorney, or the coroner or medical 

examiner’s office. 

Wisconsin

Wis. Stat. Ann. § 48.981(3)(bm) (LexisNexis through 9-12-12)

In a county that has wholly or partially within its boundaries a federally recognized Indian reservation or a Bureau of 

Indian Affairs service area for the Ho-Chunk Tribe, if a county department that receives a report pertaining to a child or 

unborn child knows or has reason to know that the child is an Indian child who resides in the county or that the unborn 

child is an Indian unborn child whose expectant mother resides in the county, the county department shall provide 

notice, which shall consist only of the name and address of the Indian child or expectant mother and the fact that a 

report has been received about that Indian child or Indian unborn child, within 24 hours to one of the following:

• If the county department knows with which Indian Tribe the child is affiliated or with which Indian Tribe the Indian 

unborn child, when born, may be eligible for affiliation, and the Indian Tribe is a Wisconsin Indian Tribe, the Tribal 

agent of that Tribe

• If the county department does not know with which Indian Tribe the child is affiliated or with which Indian Tribe 

the Indian unborn child, when born, may be eligible for affiliation, or the child or expectant mother is not affiliated 

with a Wisconsin Indian Tribe, the Tribal agent serving the reservation or Ho-Chunk service area where the child or 

expectant mother resides

• If neither [of the above] applies, any Tribal agent serving a reservation or Ho-Chunk service area in the county
Cross-Reporting Among Responders to Child Abuse and Neglect https://www.childwelfare.gov

Wis. Stat. Ann. § 48.981(3)(a) (LexisNexis through 9-12-12) 

The sheriff or police department shall within 12 hours, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, or legal holidays, refer to 

the county department or, in a county having a population of 500,000 or more, the department or a licensed child 

welfare agency under contract with the department all of the following types of cases reported to the sheriff or police 

department:

• Cases in which a caregiver is suspected of abuse or neglect or of threatened abuse or neglect of a child

• Cases in which a caregiver is suspected of facilitating or failing to take action to prevent the suspected or 

threatened abuse or neglect of a child

• Cases in which it cannot be determined who abused or neglected or threatened to abuse or neglect a child

• Cases in which there is reason to suspect that an unborn child has been abused, or there is reason to believe that 

an unborn child is at substantial risk of abuse

The sheriff or police department may refer to the county department, the department, or a licensed child welfare agency 

a case reported to the sheriff or police department in which a person who is not a caregiver is suspected of abuse or of 

threatened abuse of a child.

A county department, the department, or a licensed child welfare agency, within 12 hours, exclusive of Saturdays, 

Sundays, or legal holidays, shall refer to the sheriff or police department all cases of suspected or threatened abuse, as 

defined in § 48.02(1)(b)-(f), reported to it. For cases of suspected or threatened abuse, as defined in § 48.02(1)(a), (am), 

(g), or (gm), or neglect, each county department, the department, and a licensed child welfare agency shall adopt a 

written policy specifying the kinds of reports it will routinely report to local law enforcement authorities. 

Wyoming

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 14-3-206(a) (LexisNexis through 2012 Sess.)

Reports of child abuse or neglect or of suspected child abuse or neglect made to the local child protective agency or 

local law enforcement agency shall be conveyed immediately by the agency receiving the report to the appropriate local 

child protective agency or local law enforcement agency. The agencies shall continue cooperating and coordinating with 

each other during the investigation. 

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 14-3-204(a)(vii)-(viii) (LexisNexis through 2012 Sess.)

The local child protective agency shall cooperate, coordinate, and assist with the prosecution and law enforcement 

agencies in investigating a report of suspected child abuse or neglect. When the best interests of the child require court 

actions, the agency shall contact the county and prosecuting attorney to initiate legal proceedings and assist the county 

and prosecuting attorney during the proceedings.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Administration for Children and Families

Administration on Children, Youth and Families

Children’s Bureau