Reporting Child Abuse

Anyone may make a report of suspected child abuse. You do not need proof, just a suspicion.

In the State of Florida call: 1-800-96-ABUSE (962-2873)

Outside Florida call 1-800-4-A-CHILD or visit www.childhelp.org

If you are uncertain what to do call us at 813-272-7179 and we will guide you.

Florida - Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect

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Child Abuse and Neglect

To better understand this issue and to view it across States, see the Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect: Summary of State Laws (PDF - 633 KB) publication.

Professionals Required to Report Citation: Ann. Stat. § 39.201

The following persons are mandated reporters:
• Physicians, osteopaths, medical examiners, chiropractors, nurses, or hospital personnel
• Other health or mental health professionals
• Practitioners who rely solely on spiritual means for healing
• School teachers or other school officials or personnel
• Social workers, daycare center workers, or other professional child care, foster care, residential, or institutional workers
• Law enforcement officers or judges

Reporting by Other Persons Citation: Ann. Stat. § 39.201

Any person who knows or has reasonable cause to suspect that a child is abused, abandoned, or neglected shall report.

Standards for Making a Report Citation: Ann. Stat. § 39.201

A report is required when:
• A person knows or has reasonable cause to suspect that a child is abused, abandoned, or neglected.
• A person knows that a child is in need of supervision and care and has no parent, legal custodian, or responsible adult relative immediately known and available to provide supervision and care.

Privileged Communications Citation: Ann. Stat. § 39.204

Only the attorney-client and clergy-penitent privileges are permitted.

Inclusion of Reporter's Name in Report Citation: Ann. Stat. § 39.201

Professionals who are mandated reporters are required to provide their names to hotline staff.

Disclosure of Reporter Identity Citation: Ann. Stat. §§ 39.201; 39.202

The names of reporters shall be entered into the record of the report, but shall be held confidential. The name of the reporter may not be released to any person other than employees of the department responsible for child protective services, the central abuse hotline, law enforcement, the child protection team, or the appropriate State attorney, without the written consent of the person reporting.

This does not prohibit the subpoenaing of a person reporting child abuse, abandonment, or neglect when deemed necessary by the court, the State attorney, or the department, provided the fact that such person made the report is not disclosed.