Who Has To Report It
G.L. c. 119, § 51A — a mandated reporter calls immediately and writes within 48 hours
In Massachusetts, a mandated reporter who, in a professional capacity, has reasonable cause to believe a child is suffering abuse or neglect, or is a sexually exploited child or a human trafficking victim, immediately communicates with the department orally and files a written report within 48 hours.
- A violation is punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000.
- A mandated reporter who willfully fails to report abuse or neglect that resulted in serious bodily injury or death faces a fine of up to $5,000, up to two and a half years in a house of correction, or both.
- A reporter with reasonable cause to believe a child died from abuse or neglect also reports to the district attorney and the chief medical examiner.
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 Massachusetts attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- G.L. c. 119, § 51A — Reports of suspected child abuse or neglect
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Massachusetts attorney.