Mandated Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect

Mandated ReportingPeople in the following professions must immediately report any knowledge or suspicion of child abuse or neglect:
  • Attorneys.
  • Audiologists.
  • Child care workers.
  • Children services personnel.
  • Coroners.
  • Day care personnel.
  • Dentists.
  • Health care professionals.
  • Nurses.
  • Peace officers, including police, sheriff's deputies, and highway patrol officers.
  • Physicians, including hospital interns and residents.
  • Podiatrists.
  • Psychiatrists.
  • School authorities, employees, and teachers.
  • Social workers.
  • Speech pathologists.
  • Agent of a county humane society.

The Ohio Revised Code Section 2151.421 clearly removes the option of choice for the above professionals.


What is required of a Mandated Reporter?

If you come into contact with a child who has suffered, or faces a threat of any physical or mental wound, injury, disability, or other condition that reasonably indicates abuse or neglect, you must immediately file a report.

This applies to any:

  • Child under 18.
  • Person under 21 with a developmental disability or physical impairment.

Even if you don't know for certain that abuse is occurring, you are still required to report any fact-based suspicion. If a reasonable person in similar circumstances, presented with the same facts would suspect abuse, it is your legal responsibility to report.

How to Report

 

File a report online now.

Call the 24-hour Child Abuse Hotline at 216-696-KIDS (5437)

Email Protecting-Cuyahoga-Kids@jfs.ohio.gov.

In-person referrals can be made at the Jane Edna Hunter Building, 3955 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115

Programs

Adult Protective Services (APS)

An overview of the Adult Protective Services (APS) process, and how to report allegations of abuse.

Report Child Abuse or Neglect

How Cuyahoga County residents can report suspected child abuse or neglect.

Program Location



  
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