Reporting Child Abuse


Mandatory Reporters
In the state of Alabama, certain people are required by law to report suspected child abuse. Those people are known as mandatory reporters. They include professionals like: doctors, nurses, dentists, optometrists, pharmacists, school teachers, law enforcement officers, social workers, day care workers, mental health professionals, and many others. But all persons reporting suspected abuse or neglect (whether required by law or not) are presumed to be acting in good faith. Alabama law provides immunity from liability for actions by mandatory reporters.

When to Report
Make a report when you know or suspect that a child is being abused or neglected. Use your professional training and expertise to make this decision. It is not necessary to prove that the abuse or neglect happened; you just have to be reasonably suspicious. It is better to err on the side of wrongful reporting rather than to risk further injury or the death of a child. Do not delay in reporting if you do not have all of the needed information. Additional information can be added later.

How to Report
Call your local Department of Human Resources.
Montgomery County 334-293-3305
Autauga County 334-358-5000
Chilton County 205-280-2000
Elmore County 334-514-3200

Call the Police Department if you live in a municipality or the Sheriff's
Office if you live in an unincorporated area.

If it is an Emergency
If a life threatening situation exists, make sure the person taking your call understands that emergency intervention is needed.

What to Include in a Report
- The child's name and location
- The parents' names and address
- Your name and the name of your agency, organization, or school
- A clear and concise description of the abuse and/or neglect with as many specific details as possible

For a Mandatory Reporting Training Presentation, please call Child Protect at 334.262.1220.

The Mandatory Reporting Presentations are made possible through a grant from the Children's Trust Fund of Alabama.