Mandatory Reporting Laws At A Glance

Most of the states within the United States have developed mandatory reporting laws of child abuse. A child abuse investigation will usually include interviewing all of the people who are living in the house in which the alleged abuse has been said to have occurred.

If the child's safety cannot be assured, then the child will be taken from their current environment and placed with a temporary guardian. In cases such as this, a court hearing may take place in order to appoint a temporary guardian for the child.

Most states’ laws require that a decision regarding the child abuse investigation be made within sixty days of the onset of the investigation. If it has been determined that the child is safe in the home with their parents or guardians, then the child will be returned home.

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