Mandated Reporting

Many professionals and caregivers in San Diego County are mandated reporters for suspected abuse and neglect. Mandated reporting is an important responsibility.

Did you know?

  • Reporting can help the individual or family get the help they need.
  • Mandated reporters cannot be held civilly or criminally liable for making a report.
  • If you are a mandated reporter, you are legally required to report if you know or reasonably suspect abuse of a child, elder and/or dependent adult.

Reasonable Suspicion

  • It is objectively reasonable for a person to entertain a suspicion, based upon facts that could cause a reasonable person in a like position, drawing, when appropriate on his or her training and experience to suspect abuse or neglect.
  • Does not require certainty that the abuse or neglect has occurred.
  • Any reasonable suspicion is sufficient.

Child Abuse & Neglect

This includes physical, sexual or emotional abuse, sexual exploitation, or commercial sexual exploitation, or neglect.

Who is a Mandated Reporter? Click Here to Learn More.

It's the Law to Report:

  • Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act: Penal Code sections 11164-11174.31

Reporting Steps:

  • Immediately, or as soon as practically possible, call the Child Abuse Hotline at (800) 344-6000 / 858-560-2191 and local law enforcement.
  • Submit Form 8572 within 36 hours: Form 8572
    County of San Diego, Child Welfare Services, HHSA
    Child Abuse Hotline (24 Hours)
    Fax to: 858-467-0412
    Or, Mail to: Child Welfare Services/Hotline, 8911 Balboa Ave, San Diego CA 92123
    Or, you can receive a web-based system link through the MRA (Mandated Reporter Application) after making your phone report to the Child Abuse Hotline.

Want to Learn More?

Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse & Neglect

According to Penal Code section 368, persons 65 and older are considered “elders.” Persons 18-64 years old who have physical and/or mental limitations that restrict their ability to carry out normal activities or to protect their rights are considered “dependent adults.”

Who is a Mandated Reporter? Click Here to Learn More.

It's the Law to Report:

  • Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act: Welfare and Institutions Code sections 15630-15632

Reporting Steps:

  • Immediately, or as soon as practically possible, call the Adult Protective Services Hotline at (800) 339-4661 and local law enforcement.
  • Submit Form SOC 341 within 2 working days. For financial institutions, use Form SOC 342
    County of San Diego, Aging and Independence Services, HHSA
    Adult Protective Services Reporting Hotline (24 Hours)
    (800) 339-4661
  • Web Referral tool for submitting APS reports: https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/hhsa/programs/ais/ais-online-referrals.html
    (The online reporting option is available for mandated reporters. It is available 24 hours/7 days a week and allows you to bypass making a hotline call and submission of the reporting form).

Want to Learn More?

Suspicious Injury Reporting Requirements for Healthcare Workers

Health care providers are required to make a report if they provide medical services for a physical condition to a patient whom they reasonably suspect is suffering from a physical injury due to a firearm, or from assaultive or abusive conduct inflicted upon the person.

It's the Law to Report:

  • Cal. Penal code §§ 11160-11163.2

Reporting Steps:

  • Inform the patient that you are making the report.
  • Immediately, or as soon as practically possible, call the local enforcement agency where the incident occurred to make the report by telephone.
  • Fax form OES 2-920 to the law enforcement agency within two working days.

Want to Learn More?