Those professionals required by law to make child abuse reports also expanded over the years to include teachers, nurses, mental health professionals, social workers, school custodians, day care providers, and others who are in regular contact with children. Mental health professionals are now required by law in all States to report child abuse and neglect. The primary intent of these reporting laws is to protect children from abuse and neglect. In troubled families, parents need help but may not be able to directly ask for assistance. The report of abuse may be a catalyst for bringing about change in the home environment which, in turn, may help lower the risk of abuse or neglect in the family.
Many States require that a written report follow the oral report.
In other States, written reports are only required upon request. The time frame for submission of the written report varies from within 36 hours to 5 days after making the initial oral report. Reporting laws also contain provisions to protect the identity of the person making the report and protect reporters from civil lawsuits and criminal prosecution resulting from filing a report. Most States have criminal and financial penalties for failure to report, and there is also a risk of civil lawsuit liability for failure to report. By requiring professionals to report suspected child abuse and neglect and by adding financial, criminal, and civil penalties for noncompliance, States and the Federal Government have made a strong policy statement that protection of children is important in our society and that there is a legal obligation attached to professionals employed in these professions.