Preparing for a Child-Protection Intake Call

When your reporting duty applies, contact the appropriate agency under the rules that apply to you. This checklist is a preparation aid, not a substitute for reporting or for required state or employer training.

Before and during the call

Follow your current state reporting law and your organization’s procedures. An internal conversation may not satisfy an individual reporting duty.
Share what you observed and distinguish it from what someone told you. Use their words where appropriate; avoid presenting assumptions as facts.
Tell the intake worker what you know and what you do not know. Ask what additional information or follow-up the agency needs.
Record any reference number and follow-up instructions using your organization’s secure process. Share information only with authorized people.

Do not delay a required report to complete this checklist or gather information. The receiving agency determines its response. This page does not ask for or store client details.

Find the right agency

USAGov lists starting points for reporting child abuse and neglect. Confirm the current agency, process and requirements in your jurisdiction.

Go further

Compassionate Mandated Reporting Across Disciplines (special-learning.com/store/p/child-abuse-and-neglect-mandatory-reporting) is a $39 recorded panel on recognizing concerns, reporting conversations and preparing for difficult conversations with families. It uses historical Oregon and Colorado examples and does not replace state or employer-mandated training. This course does not provide CEUs.

Sources: Child Welfare Information Gateway: mandatory reporting (state-law overview current through May 2023; check current state law) and USAGov: reporting a crime.

Special Learning, founded by Karen Chung, helps people touched by autism move toward independence.