Who is Required to Report Child Abuse and Neglect?

Any person who has cause to believe that a child has suffered abuse or neglect should report such incidents.

Those people legally required to report child abuse or neglect are:

• Medical practitioners
• Nurses
• Dentists
• Social service counselors/therapists
• Psychologists
• Medical examiners
• Pharmacists
• School personnel
• Child care providers
• Law enforcement officers
• Juvenile probation officers
• Corrections employees
• DSHS employees
• Placement and liaison specialists
• Responsible living skills program staff
• HOPE center staff
• State family and children's ombudsman
• Any volunteer in the obmbudsman's office
• Adults residing with child suspected to have been severely abused

In 2005, Senate Bill 5308 was passed, amending the statute regarding mandatory reporting.

The new law expanded the definition of mandatory reporter and now includes people who may not previously have qualified as mandatory reporters. If you have a question about whether or not you qualify as a mandatory reporter of abuse and neglect under this new language, check with your lawyer or the Department of Social and Health Services.

The Mandatory Reporter Statute RCW 26.44.030 now includes the following language:

(b) When any person, in his or her official supervisory capacity with a nonprofit or for-profit organization, has reasonable cause to believe that a child has suffered abuse or neglect caused by a person over whom he or she regularly exercises supervisory authority, he or she shall report such incident, or cause a report to be made, to the proper law enforcement agency, provided that the person alleged to have caused the abuse or neglect is employed by, contracted by, or volunteers with the organization and coaches, trains, educates, or counsels a child or children or regularly has unsupervised access to a child or children as part of the employment, contract, or voluntary service. No one shall be required to report under this section when he or she obtains the information solely as a result of a privileged communication as provided in RCW 5.60.060.

     Nothing in this subsection (1)(b) shall limit a person's duty to report under (a) of this subsection.

     For the purposes of this subsection, the following definitions apply:

     (i) "Official supervisory capacity" means a position, status, or role created, recognized, or designated by any nonprofit or for-profit organization, either for financial gain or without financial gain, whose scope includes, but is not limited to, overseeing, directing, or managing another person who is employed by, contracted by, or volunteers with the nonprofit or for-profit organization.

     (ii) "Regularly exercises supervisory authority" means to act in his or her official supervisory capacity on an ongoing or continuing basis with regards to a particular person.

To read the statute in full click here.

Resources for Mandatory Reporters

WCPCAN convened a group of interested organizations and individuals to strengthen the resources available to mandatory reporters.  As a result of the expansion of the law, the resources and other information available are a result of that partnership and will continue to grow.  If you have questions about the resources or would like to contribute information for this site, please contact Kristen Rogers at kristen@wcpcan.wa,gov.

Mandatory Reporter's Video

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Download Video  (Windows Media) 

The DSHS Mandatory Reporter's Video provides guidance for those who are required by state law to report child abuse or neglect.  If you are experiencing difficulty viewing this video, you can try viewing it on the DSHS website.

If you would like to borrow a copy of this video from our Resource Library, please e-mail wcpcan@wcpcan.wa.gov

Mandatory Reporter's Video Supplement

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This supplement contains additional discussion questions and a post-video quiz to enhance trainings that utilize the video.  This document was reviewed by a partnership of individuals and organizations which includes: WCPCAN, Harborview Medical Center Children’s Response Center, DSHS Children’s Administration, DSHS Region 4, Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs, Washington Child Advocacy Centers, Connections Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Program of Ferry County, Dept. of Community Trade and Economic Development, the Archdiocese of Seattle, the Catholic Diocese of Spokane, the Thurston County Network, Seattle YMCA, Children’s Home Society, Catholic Community Services, Northwest Youth Services, Department of Early Learning, Puyallup Police Department, Children’s Services Northwest, SafePlace, and the School Nurses Organization of Washington.

Special thanks go to Caroline Shelton from Harborview Medical Center Children’s Response Center, Kristen Rogers from WCPCAN and Ruth Harms from the Thurston County Network for the creation of this document.

Child Protective Services (CPS) PowerPoint Presentation

Launch PowerPoint

This presentation was created by Lori (Eastep) Harris with the Department of Social and Health Services.  It is intended to be part of a broader mandatory reporter training.  If you utilize this presentation, please be sure to give credit to Lori for her hard work.

Protecting the Abused and Neglected Child

PDF

An explanation of the Washington State mandatory reporting law on child abuse published by DSHS.

CPS Reporting Information for Mandated Reporters

PDF

This document is an easy reference sheet for mandated reporters developed by the Children's Response Center.

CPS Reporting Form

WORD

This form was provided by SafePlace and is a good worksheet to use when collecting data to give to CPS prior to making a report. 

DSHS / Children's Administration Field Offices Directory

PDF

Many field offices are willing to provide mandatory reporter trainings.  Feel free to contact your local office to inquire about training availability.

King County Community Resources

PDF

Children's Response Center has compiled this list of King County community resources which includes youth and family counseling services, crisis clinics and resources for special populations.

Reponding to Child Sexual Abuse

PDF

This document from the Children's Reponse Center provides tips on what to say and do if a child discloses sexual abuse.

Effects of Violence and Traumatic Events on Children

PDF

This document from the Children's Reponse Center discusses some symptoms associated with childhood violence and trauma.

Resources for Parents

Parent's Guide to Child Protective Services

PDF

This publication from the Children's Administration's Division of Children and Family Services answers parents' frequently asked questions about how CPS works.

Talking to your Children About Preventing Sexual Abuse

PDF

The Children's Reponse Center created this brochure to provide tips and activities to prevent child sexual abuse.