Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse
100% GRADE A+ SOLUTIONS
Who must make a report of child abuse or neglect?
Any person, agency, organization, or entity with direct knowledge of
child abuse or neglect must make a report to the DFS Child Abuse and
Neglect Report Line. Failure to do so could result in both civil and
criminal penalties.
When you have reasonable suspicion of child abuse, neglect, or
dependency, it is your responsibility to call the DFS Report Line.
Mandatory reporters must not rely on an individual with less direct
knowledge to make a report.
If two or more people have joint knowledge of an allegation, a joint
report may be made by one person with direct knowledge, but it must
include the names of everyone who has knowledge of the alleged abuse
or neglect.
How do I report child abuse & neglect?
All known or suspected cases of child abuse or neglect must be
reported to the Division of Family Services (DFS) Child Abuse and
Neglect Report Line at 1-800-292-9582. Or make a report online at
Iseethesigns.org.
*Online reporting is not available for all types of reports.
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, Can I be held liable for making a report about child abuse and
neglect?
As long as you make a report of child abuse or neglect in good faith
you will have immunity from any liability, civil or criminal.
(16 Del. C. § 908)
If my report is accepted for investigation, how soon can I expect DFS
to respond?
DFS responds according to the priority level given to each
investigation case.
- Priority One- Within 24 hours
- Priority Two- Within 72 hours
- Priority Three- Within 10 days
For additional DFS policy information go to:
http://kids.delaware.gov/policies/dfs/sdms-for-cps-policy-and-
procedures-manual.pdf
Can information about a DFS investigation be shared?
In general, DFS will share information only when there is a signed
release of information (informed, time limited consent). However, DFS,
law enforcement, the Children's Advocacy Center, Department of
Justice, and the Office of the Investigation Coordinator exchange
information on families and children when this information is needed
to assist an investigation involving a shared client.
What is the difference between physical abuse and accidental injury?
Keep the following in mind when determining if an injury is
accidental:
- Cuts and bruises caused from accidents normally occur in bony areas
of the body.
- Reoccurring injuries likely indicate abuse.
- If a series of injuries appear in a pattern or resemble an object,
the injury may have been inflicted.
- If the child's or caregiver's explanation for the injury is
inconsistent with the facts, the injury would be suspect.
- Suspect abuse if there was a delay in seeking medical attention.
What is considered "normal" vs. abusive sexual behavior in children?
Childhood sexual behavior is common and varies based on
age/developmental level. However, you should be concerned with
childhood sexual behavior that:
- Is clearly beyond the child's developmental stage (a three-year-old
attempting to kiss an adult's genitals).
- Involves threats, force, or aggression.
- Involves children of widely different ages or abilities (an 11-
year-old "playing doctor" with a four-year-old).
100% GRADE A+ SOLUTIONS
Who must make a report of child abuse or neglect?
Any person, agency, organization, or entity with direct knowledge of
child abuse or neglect must make a report to the DFS Child Abuse and
Neglect Report Line. Failure to do so could result in both civil and
criminal penalties.
When you have reasonable suspicion of child abuse, neglect, or
dependency, it is your responsibility to call the DFS Report Line.
Mandatory reporters must not rely on an individual with less direct
knowledge to make a report.
If two or more people have joint knowledge of an allegation, a joint
report may be made by one person with direct knowledge, but it must
include the names of everyone who has knowledge of the alleged abuse
or neglect.
How do I report child abuse & neglect?
All known or suspected cases of child abuse or neglect must be
reported to the Division of Family Services (DFS) Child Abuse and
Neglect Report Line at 1-800-292-9582. Or make a report online at
Iseethesigns.org.
*Online reporting is not available for all types of reports.
Previous
Play
Next
Rewind 10 seconds
Move forward 10 seconds
Unmute
0:00
/
0:15
Full screen
Brainpower
Read More
, Can I be held liable for making a report about child abuse and
neglect?
As long as you make a report of child abuse or neglect in good faith
you will have immunity from any liability, civil or criminal.
(16 Del. C. § 908)
If my report is accepted for investigation, how soon can I expect DFS
to respond?
DFS responds according to the priority level given to each
investigation case.
- Priority One- Within 24 hours
- Priority Two- Within 72 hours
- Priority Three- Within 10 days
For additional DFS policy information go to:
http://kids.delaware.gov/policies/dfs/sdms-for-cps-policy-and-
procedures-manual.pdf
Can information about a DFS investigation be shared?
In general, DFS will share information only when there is a signed
release of information (informed, time limited consent). However, DFS,
law enforcement, the Children's Advocacy Center, Department of
Justice, and the Office of the Investigation Coordinator exchange
information on families and children when this information is needed
to assist an investigation involving a shared client.
What is the difference between physical abuse and accidental injury?
Keep the following in mind when determining if an injury is
accidental:
- Cuts and bruises caused from accidents normally occur in bony areas
of the body.
- Reoccurring injuries likely indicate abuse.
- If a series of injuries appear in a pattern or resemble an object,
the injury may have been inflicted.
- If the child's or caregiver's explanation for the injury is
inconsistent with the facts, the injury would be suspect.
- Suspect abuse if there was a delay in seeking medical attention.
What is considered "normal" vs. abusive sexual behavior in children?
Childhood sexual behavior is common and varies based on
age/developmental level. However, you should be concerned with
childhood sexual behavior that:
- Is clearly beyond the child's developmental stage (a three-year-old
attempting to kiss an adult's genitals).
- Involves threats, force, or aggression.
- Involves children of widely different ages or abilities (an 11-
year-old "playing doctor" with a four-year-old).
