Child Abuse Reporting

In accordance with the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Law, child abuse should be reported immediately (or as soon as practically possible) by telephone…”to any police department or sheriff’s department (not including a school district police or security department), county probation department, if designated by the county to receive mandated reports, or county welfare department .” (P.C.11165.9).

A written report should be sent within 36 hours on a Department of Justice form (SS 8572), which may be requested from your local police or sheriff’s department, county probation department, or county welfare department. Forms are also available from your local Child Protective Services Agency.