A Shared Responsibility

This site is dedicated to raising awareness of abuse and neglect, and providing resources to help protect the most vulnerable members of our communities.

In 1963, California enacted the first law in the United States requiring the mandatory reporting of child abuse. By 1967, all 50 states had similar laws.

These laws seek to protect children by establishing a legal duty to report abuse - and imposing penalties for failing to make a report - on certain occupations. These laws also authorize other adults to contact the authorities to report problems, and establish the immunities and responsibilities of these "ethical" or "permissive" reporters.

The potential harm to children - and potential liability for mandatory reporters - is serious enough to justify that every responsible adult in contact with children learn how to protect them from abuse and neglect.