Merced County K-12 Mandated Child Abuse Reporter

As a mandated reporter, follow these guidelines if you observe or suspect child abuse or neglect:

What to Report?

You must report any knowledge or observation of a child whom you know or reasonably suspect has been the victim of child abuse or neglect (e.g., physical or sexual abuse, withholding of basic necessities such as food, clothing, medical care, etc.).

Child abuse or neglect does not include mutual combat between children, reasonable age appropriate discipline by parents (e.g., spanking), or reasonable force used to protect others.

Where to Report?

A report must be made to either Merced County Child Welfare Services by phone (209) 385-3104, fax (209) 354-2518, or to your local law enforcement agency (e.g., Merced County Sheriff's Department).  The identity of the reporting person is confidential.

When to Report?

Make a personal or telephone report immediately.  You must also file a written report within 36 hours.  The written form for reporting can be obtained from the link below.

When in doubt, report!  Except for reports made in bad faith, a mandated reporter is protected from liability even if the report turns out not to be true.