Be Ready to Report

FAQs

• What if I make a report and I’m wrong. Will I get in trouble?

  No, you can’t get in trouble for reporting child abuse in good faith. Even if it turns out after the investigation that your suspicion was mistaken, you still did the right thing in reporting it.

• What does it mean to report child abuse “in good faith”?

  Reporting “in good faith” means reporting what you believe is true. If you honestly suspect child abuse, but it turns out after the investigation that your suspicions are incorrect, you can’t get into any trouble.

• What is a “mandated reporter”?

  Every adult in North Carolina is considered a mandatory reporter for child abuse. Anyone who sees or suspects child abuse, whether physical, psychological or sexual - is required by law to report it. In the same way that some healthcare workers are required to report any of these while providing care in emergency situations, the safety of our children is the responsibility of every North Carolina adult. (N.C.G.S 7B-301, N.C.G.S. 14-318.6)

• Can I report child abuse anonymously?

  Yes, you can report child abuse in North Carolina without disclosing your name. When asked your name on the phone by DSS or law enforcement, simply state that you wish to remain anonymous.

• What should I expect after making a report?

  When you report child abuse, your report is investigated by the DSS and local law enforcement.

• What evidence do I need in order to report suspected child abuse?

  If you have reason to suspect abuse, that’s enough to make a report. However, if you have more evidence, please be ready to provide it when you make your report. Relevant information will include names, locations, descriptions of events, etc. The more information you share, the more helpful it is for the investigation.