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How to Report

Connecticut (CT)

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Who is required to report?

Citation: Gen. Stat. §§ 17a-101; 53a-65

The following persons are required to report:

  • Physicians, surgeons, residents, interns, nurses, medical examiners, dentists, dental hygienists, optometrists, chiropractors, podiatrists, physician assistants, pharmacists, or physical therapists
  • Psychologists or other mental health professionals
  • School employees, as defined by § 53a-65
  • Social workers
  • Police officers, juvenile or adult probation officers, or parole officers
  • Members of the clergy
  • Alcohol and drug counselors, marital and family therapists, professional counselors, sexual assault counselors, or domestic violence counselors
  • Licensed foster parents
  • Licensed behavior analysts
  • Emergency medical services providers
  • Any person paid to care for a child in any public or private facility, child daycare center, group daycare home, or family daycare home that is licensed by the State
  • Employees of the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and the Office of Early Childhood who are responsible for the licensing of child daycare centers, group daycare homes, or family daycare homes
  • Any paid youth camp director or assistant director and staff member who is aged 21 or older
  • The Child Advocate and any employee of the Office of Child Advocate
  • Family relations counselor trainees, family services supervisors, or victim services advocates employed by the Judicial Department
  • Any person employed to work at a juvenile detention facility or any other facility where children under age 18 are detained and who has direct contact with children as part of their employment

When is a report required?

Citation: Gen. Stat. § 17a-101a

A report is required when, in the ordinary course of their employment or profession, a reporter has reasonable cause to suspect or believe the following of any child under age 18:

  • The child has been abused or neglected.
  • The child has sustained a nonaccidental physical injury or an injury that is at variance with the history given of the injury.
  • The child is placed at imminent risk of serious harm.

Any school employee shall report when, in the ordinary course of their employment or profession, they have reasonable cause to suspect or believe that any person who is being educated by the technical high school system or a local or regional board of education, other than as part of an adult education program, is a victim of abuse and the perpetrator is a school employee.

A mandated reporter's suspicion or belief may be based on factors, including, but not limited to, observations, allegations, facts, or statements by a child, victim, or a third party. Such suspicion or belief does not require certainty or probable cause. 

What information should the report include?

Citation: Gen. Stat. § 17a-101d

All reports shall contain, if known:

  • The names and addresses of the child and his parents or other person responsible for his care
  • The age of the child
  • The gender of the child
  • The nature and extent of the child’s injury or injuries, maltreatment or neglect
  • The approximate date and time the injury or injuries, maltreatment or neglect occurred
  • Information concerning any previous injury or injuries to, or maltreatment or neglect of, the child or his siblings
  • The circumstances in which the injury or injuries, maltreatment or neglect came to be known to the reporter
  • The name of the person or persons suspected to be responsible for causing such injury or injuries, maltreatment or neglect
  • The reasons such person or persons are suspected of causing such injury or injuries, maltreatment or neglect
  • Any information concerning any prior cases in which such person or persons have been suspected of causing an injury, maltreatment or neglect of a child
  • Whatever action, if any, was taken to treat, provide shelter or otherwise assist the child

Mandated reporters are required to give their name when they make a report to the Department of Children and Families.

However, reporters may request anonymity to protect their privacy.
This means that the Department of Children and Families would not disclose their name or identity unless mandated to do so by law.

Failure to report

Citation: Gen. Stat. §§ 17a-101a; 17a-101e(a)

  • Any mandated reporter who fails to report as required by law or fails to make such report within the time period prescribed by law shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor
  • That person, however, shall be guilty of a class E felony if any of the following is true:
    • The failure to report is a subsequent violation
    • The failure to report was willful, intentional, or due to gross negligence
    • The person had actual knowledge that a child was abused or neglected
  • Any person who intentionally and unreasonably interferes with or prevents the making of a report pursuant to this section, or attempts or conspires to do so, shall be guilty of a class D felony
    • The provisions of this subdivision shall not apply to any child under age 18 or any person who is being educated by the Technical Education and Career System or a local or regional board of education, other than as part of an adult education program
  • Any person found guilty under the provisions of this section shall be required to participate in an educational and training program
  • The attorney general may bring an action in superior court against an employer who discharges or in any manner discriminates or retaliates against any employee who in good faith makes a report of child abuse or neglect
    • The court may assess a civil penalty of no more than $2,500 and may order such other equitable relief as the court deems appropriate