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Mandated Reporters

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Mandated Reporters

The Michigan Child Protection Law requires certain people to report their suspicions of child abuse or neglect to Children's Protective Services.

Mandated reporters must make an immediate report to Centralized Intake by telephone or through the online reporting system, of suspected child abuse or child neglect. Within 72 hours after making an oral report by telephone, the reporting person shall file a written report (DHS-3200). If the immediate report has been made using the online reporting system, no additional written report is required.

A list of mandated reporter positions and professions can be found at the bottom of this page. 

Reporting the suspected allegations of child abuse and/or neglect to the head of the organization does not fulfill the requirement to report directly to DHHS. If you suspect abuse or neglect, report it any time day or night online or by calling 855-444-3911.

Prevention through education

What you should know about disproportionality and disparity in child welfare as a mandated or non mandated reporter

Mandated Reporter Resources

Lurie Children's Child Injury Plausibility Assessment Support Tool (LCAST) Video

Lurie Children's Child Injury Plausibility Assessment Support Tool (LCAST)

LCAST is a mobile screening tool that helps healthcare professionals assess whether bruising in infants and young children may indicate possible physical abuse. It is based on the evidence‑supported TEN‑4‑FACESp clinical decision rule developed at Lurie Children’s Hospital. You can find the full details for this tool here on their website. 

Who it’s for:

Licensed clinicians and child‑serving professionals (physicians, nurses, paramedics, social service providers).

Who it applies to:

Children under 4 years old who have bruising.

What it does:

  • Supports recognition of bruising patterns associated with higher risk of abuse
  • Helps guide next steps in evaluation
  • Serves as an educational resource
  • Not a diagnostic tool

Why it matters:

Bruising is the most common—and often the most overlooked—early sign of physical abuse. Evidence‑based tools like TEN‑4‑FACESp can improve early recognition and protect vulnerable children.

Where to get it:

Available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store (search: LCAST, TEN‑4‑FACESp, child injury, bruising, etc.).

 

Not sure if you're a mandated reporter?

Mandated reporters include:

  • Athletic Trainers
  • Audiologists
  • Dentists
  • Employees of an organization or entity that, as a result of federal funding statutes, regulations, or contracts, would be prohibited from reporting in the absence of a state mandate or court order (example: domestic violence provider).
  • Law enforcement officers
  • Licensed bachelor's social workers
  • Licensed emergency medical care providers
  • Licensed master social workers
  • Licensed professional counselors
  • Marriage and Family Therapists
  • Medical Examiners
  • Members of the clergy
  • Nurses
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Persons employed in a professional capacity in any office of the Friend of the Court.
  • Physicians
  • Physician's assistants
  • Physical therapists
  • Physical therapist assistants
  • Psychologists
  • Registered dental hygienists
  • Registered social service technicians
  • Regulated childcare providers
  • School administrators
  • School counselors
  • Social service technicians
  • Social workers
  • Teachers

The following MDHHS employees also have a legal mandate to report suspected child abuse or neglect:

  • Eligibility specialists.
  • Family independence manager or specialists.
  • Social services specialists.
  • Social work specialists.
  • Social work specialist managers.
  • Welfare services specialists.