Mandated Reporting

Who is a Mandated Reporter?

Mandated Reporters are people with certain jobs who are required by law to report child abuse. Often this is because of their frequent contact with children.

Your Responsibilities

California's Penal Code § 11166 requires that "a mandated reporter shall make a report whenever he or she, in his or her professional capacity or within the scope of his or her employment, has knowledge of or observes a child whom the mandated reporter knows or reasonably suspects has been the victim of child abuse or neglect."

Mandated Reporters must report suspected child abuse or neglect. They must report to DFCS or the police at once or as soon as possible.

In case of life threatening emergency, call 911.

Call the CANC reporting line - (833) SCC – KIDS (722-5437) Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Mandated Reporter must also submit a completed Form 8572-Suspected Child Abuse Report.

• BÁO CÁO VỀ VIỆC NGHI NGỜ LẠM DỤNG TRẺ EMT
• INFORME SOBRE SOSPECHA DE ABUSO INFANTIL

This form must be completed 36 hours of getting the information about the suspected abuse to DFCS via one of the following:

• Email: [email protected] or click here.
• Fax: (408) 975-5851.
• Mail: Department of Family & Children’s Services
  Attn: Child Abuse & Neglect Center (CANC)
  373 W. Julian St.
  San Jose, CA 95110

Mandated Reporter Training

The Santa Clara County Department of Family Children’s Services in partnership with Seneca Family of Agencies provides FREE, on demand and monthly Mandated Reporter trainings (virtual/in-person) in English or Spanish. The Mandated Reporter Training is 3 hours, available for Santa Clara County Mandated Reporters only and CEU’s are provided. 

Agencies may also request to host separately, please contact [email protected] or call (510) 654-4004 for further information.

Check out the upcoming training dates and times: Child Mandated Reporter 2.5 - CEs-General Info Flyer & January 2024 Childcare Daycare Provider MRT

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and the Office of Child Abuse Prevention (OCAP) also provides free 24/7 self-paced Mandated Reporter training online in English and Spanish.

Mandated Reporters should check with their employment agency before registering to ensure trainings satisfy employment requirements.