Mandatory Reporting Requirements

In Utah, all school personnel are mandatory reporters. Educators do not need proof of abuse before making a report. Their responsibility is to report concerns to the appropriate authorities so trained professionals can assess the situation. Understanding reporting requirements and your school's procedures is an essential part of protecting student safety and ensuring compliance with state law.

Reports can be made directly to Utah's Child Protection Line at 1-855-323-3237 or online at dcfs.utah.gov 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Important Reporting Information

• You do not need proof or all of the details before making a report. Report what you know, observed, or reasonably suspect.

• At minimum, DCFS needs enough information to indicate abuse or neglect and identify and locate the child. Other helpful information includes, when the alleged abuse occurred (if known), information about the suspected perpetrator, and whether that person currently has access to the child.

• You are not responsible for determining whether abuse occurred or for investigating the allegation, that is the role of DCFS and law enforcement. If a child discloses abuse, avoid detailed or leading questions that could interfere with a later forensic interview.

• Past abuse should still be reported. A report can be made even when the abuse occurred months or years ago. Do not assume that it is “too late” to report because the abuse is no longer occurring or the suspected perpetrator no longer has access to the child. Share what you know and allow the appropriate agency to determine what response is needed.

• Call the DCFS hotline (1-855-323-3237) rather than reporting online when an urgent response may be needed. This includes suspected sexual abuse or serious physical abuse when the alleged perpetrator currently has access to the child, or suspected sexual abuse within the past 72 hours. Phone reports allow an intake worker to ask follow-up questions immediately. If a child is in immediate danger or there is a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

• Reporting matters even if an investigation is not opened. Every report gives a trained professional the opportunity to assess whether a child is safe. Even if an investigation does not result in a finding, reporting creates a record that may be important if concerns arise again in the future. A report not being accepted for investigation does not mean the reporter was wrong to report.

Will I find out what happens after I make a report?

In most cases, reporters will receive limited information about what happens after a report is made. DCFS or law enforcement generally cannot share details about an investigation, findings, services provided to a family, removal or placement decisions, or potential legal charges because of privacy and legal requirements.

If you have ongoing contact with the child or family, you may become aware of some actions or outcomes through that relationship, but you should not expect DCFS or law enforcement to provide you with updates about the case.

Not hearing anything after making a report does not mean that no action was taken. Your role is to report what you know or reasonably suspect. DCFS and law enforcement are responsible for determining what investigation, safety response, services, or legal action may be appropriate.