How to Report

Citation: Ann. Code § 31-33-5-4

A mandated reporter who has reason to believe that a child is a victim of abuse or neglect shall immediately make an oral or written report to the Department of Child Services or a local law enforcement agency.

Citation: Ann. Code § 31-33-7-4

The statutes do not specify the contents of the reports for persons who suspect child abuse or neglect.

However, the department will need to issue a written report within 48 hours receiving of a report, providing the following information, if known:

• The names and addresses of the child and the child’s parents, guardian, custodian, or other person responsible for the child’s care
• The child’s age and sex
• The nature and apparent extent of the child’s injuries, abuse, or neglect, including any evidence of prior:
  • (A) injuries of the child; or
  • (B) abuse or neglect of the child or the child’s siblings
• The name of the person allegedly responsible for causing the injury, abuse, or neglect
• The source of the report
• The person making the report and where the person can be reached
• The actions taken by the reporting source, including the following:
  • (A) Taking of photographs and x-rays
  • (B) Removal or keeping of the child
  • (C) Notifying the coroner
• The written documentation required by IC 31-34-2-3 if a child was taken into custody without a court order
• If the report concerns a missing child, any information concerning the time and circumstances related to the child becoming a missing child, including the child’s last known location
• Any other information that:
  • (A) the director requires by rule; or
  • (B) the person making the report believes might be helpful

Citation: Ann. Code § 31-33-22-1

A person who knowingly fails to make a report required by § 31-33-5-1 commits a class B misdemeanor.

A person who, in his or her capacity as a staff member of a medical or other institution, school, facility, or agency is required to make a report to the individual in charge of the institution, school, facility, or agency, or his or her designated agent, as required by § 31-33-5-2 or 31-33-5-2.5, and who knowingly fails to make a report commits a class B misdemeanor. This penalty is imposed in addition to the penalty imposed above.