How To Report Abuse (Continued)

 Anyone can report suspected child abuse or neglect. Mandated reporters are legally required to report suspicions of abuse or neglect. Reports can be made anonymously; however, the identity of a reporter is kept strictly confidential and never shared with persons under investigation. If a child is in immediate danger, an investigation is started within one hour of the report. If a child does not appear to be in immediate danger, the report is investigated within 24 hours.

Ohio law requires certain professionals to report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect. Mandated reporters include physicians, dentists, nurses, day care staff, speech pathologists, licensed and/or registered social workers, school personnel, attorneys, and persons rendering spiritual treatment.