In Indiana, which professionals are typically mandatory reporters of suspected child abuse?

• A. Only nurses
• B. All citizens
• C. Physicians and many healthcare professionals
• D. Only social workers

Answer: (C)

Mandatory reporting laws assign the duty to report suspected child abuse to people who are in positions to notice it in the course of their work. In Indiana, physicians and many healthcare professionals are among those required to report. This reflects the obligation of clinicians and others who care for children to act quickly to protect a child when abuse or neglect is suspected. Reports typically go to the Department of Child Services or to law enforcement, and there are usually timelines to follow for making the report. Penalties can apply for failing to report.

Choosing all citizens would overstate who is legally obligated, and limiting the duty to nurses or to social workers alone would miss the broader group of professionals who commonly must report (including physicians and others involved in child care).