Who Has To Report It
Penal Code 11166 — a mandated reporter calls immediately and writes within 36 hours
In California, a mandated reporter who, in a professional capacity or within the scope of employment, knows of or observes a child the reporter knows or reasonably suspects has been the victim of child abuse or neglect, makes a report to a designated agency.
| The step | When, as the section puts it |
|---|---|
| The stepThe initial report | When, as the section puts itBy telephone, immediately or as soon as practicably possible |
| The stepThe written follow up | When, as the section puts itWithin 36 hours of receiving the information |
| The stepIf the phone report cannot be made | When, as the section puts itA one time automated written report by fax or electronic transmission |
- A mandated reporter who fails to report known or reasonably suspected abuse or neglect is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in county jail, a fine of one thousand dollars, or both.
- Any other person who knows of or reasonably suspects abuse may report, and that includes a mandated reporter acting in a private capacity.
What counts as abuse or neglect, the immunity a good faith report carries, and the confidentiality of the reporter are set in other sections and are not reproduced here. In an emergency, the police come first. Whether a duty applied in a particular case is a question for a court and for a licensed California attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- Penal Code 11166 — Report of suspected child abuse or neglect by mandated reporter
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed California attorney.