How to Report

Delaware (DE)

Who is required to report?

Citation: Ann. Code Tit. 16, § 903

Any person, agency, organization, or entity that knows or in good faith suspects child abuse or neglect shall make a report. For purposes of this section, 'person' shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

Physicians, interns, residents, nurses, or medical examiners
Other persons in the healing arts, including persons licensed to render services in medicine, osteopathy, or dentistry
School employees, social workers, or psychologists
Hospitals or health-care institutions
The Medical Society of Delaware
Law enforcement agencies

When is a report required?

Citation 16 Del. C. §903

Delaware law mandates any person, agency, organization or entity to make an immediate oral report to the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families, Division of Family Services, when they know of, or suspect, child abuse or neglect under Chapter 9 of Title 16 of the Delaware Code and to follow up with any requested written reports.

What information should the report include?

Reports and the contents thereof, including a written report, if requested, shall be made in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Division of Child Protective Services.

The Report Line requires the following information:

Demographics
- Child’s name
- Address
- Age (date of birth, if possible)
- Race
- Gender of the child
Known information about the parents or siblings, including:
- Names of the parents/caretakers if available
- Address
- Phone numbers
- Directions to the family’s home or location of the child
- Date of birth/age
- Race
- Sex of the child’s parents or custodians
Known information about the alleged child victim’s:
- Physical health
- Mental health
- Educational issues
- Or parents or siblings
A description of the suspected abuse or neglect, including:
- Child’s current injuries
- Why the child is at risk of child abuse or neglect
- The current condition of the child
The names and contact information for every person who has information regarding the incident
Any other pertinent information which may assist in determining abuse or neglect

Failure to report

Citation: Ann. Code Tit. 16, § 914

Any person who violates § 903 of this title requiring certain persons to report suspected child abuse or neglect shall be liable for a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000 for the first violation and not to exceed $50,000 for any subsequent violation.