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Mandatory Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Reporting: State Requirements for Children and Vulnerable Adults

Leesa M. Robertson
Gregory Crutchfield
3 hours

Reporting suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or maltreatment is a serious legal and ethical responsibility, especially for mandated reporters. Because reporting laws vary significantly by state, professionals must understand not only when a report is required, but also who must report, where the report must be made, and how quickly action must be taken.

This course provides a state-by-state overview of mandatory reporting requirements for suspected child abuse and vulnerable adult abuse across the United States. Participants will review the circumstances that may trigger a reporting obligation, the required timelines for making a report, and the procedures for contacting the appropriate child protective services, adult protective services, law enforcement, or other designated agency.

The course also emphasizes the importance of timely action, accurate documentation, and understanding the limits of professional discretion when abuse or maltreatment is suspected. By the end of the course, participants will have a clearer understanding of how reporting requirements differ across jurisdictions and how to respond appropriately when concerns arise.

Course Creation Date 5/1/2026

This course will award 3 continuing education hours.

Please see the board approval box for course approvals.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

  1. Discuss child and vulnerable adult abuse and neglect with knowledge of how to report it.
  2. Explain how to make a report of suspected chld or vulnerable adult abuse.
  3. Explain the time frame required for reports.
  4. Discuss the importance of reporting abuse.
  5. Discuss how to assess for abuse.
  6. Identify the signs of abuse.

Course Author

Leesa M. Robertson, M.Ed., CAP, LMHC

Ms. Robertson, M.Ed., CAP, LMHC, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida and a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia. She is credentialed in alcohol and other drug counseling.

Beginning her career in the hospital setting, working in admissions, on the 24-hour unit, inpatient and IOP for both adults and adolescents, she went on to supervise a group of clinicians that went into medical-surgical hospitals to assess and place patients. She went into the outpatient setting, working with adults and families. Throughout her career, Ms. Robertson has focused on training and education through presenting live and authored coursework.

Gregory Crutchfield, Esq.

Gregory A. Crutchfield is admitted to practice in both Florida and Georgia. He graduated from Rollins College and Cumberland School of Law. 

Board Approvals

National Approvals

Approval for this course applies only to the national boards listed below.

  • Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) (PACE)
    Bayside Continuing Education and Development (Nationally or Locally) Approved by PACE Program Provider for FAGD/MAGD credit. Approval does not imply acceptance by any regulatory authority or AGD endorsement. 10/01/2024 - 09/30/2026 Provider ID# 430829
  • American Psychological Association (APA)
    BaysideCEU is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Bayside Continuing Education maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
  • Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) (ACE)
    BaysideCEU.com, #1793, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. BaysideCEU.com maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 2/4/2026-2/4/2029. This course is offered in the self-paced/distance learning format.
  • The Association For Addiction Professionals NAADAC
    Bayside Continuing Education and Development Provider Number 81892 is a NAADAC Approved Education Provider for educational credits. NAADAC Provider number 81892 is responsible for all aspects of the programming.
  • The National Board For Certified Counselors NBCC
    Bayside Continuing Education has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6088. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Bayside Continuing Education is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

State Approvals

Information

  • Relevance: This course is designed for healthcare professionals where they will come in contact with vulnerable populations who might be experiencing abuse. It will guide them through the necessary steps of making a report.
  • Content Level: Intermediate
  • Course Format: This course is offered as a self-paced distance learning format (reading-based online activity)
  • System Requirements: This course is offered online. Internet connection required.
  • Course Completion Information: To earn continuing education credit, professionals must register and pay the fee for the course.  They must read the content and demonstrate understanding by earning a minimum score of 70 percent on testing materials.  The certificate of completion will be able to be downloaded after the above is completed. Refunds will be granted upon request with the withdrawal of credit for the course. For questions, concerns, or to request special accommodations, please call 866-863-4225 or email ContactUs@BaysideCEU.com.
  • CEBroker Course ID: 1375395
  • Credit Hours: 3
Leesa M. Robertson
Gregory Crutchfield
3 hours
This course is designed for healthcare professionals where they will come in contact with vulnerable populations who might be experiencing abuse. It will guide them through the necessary steps of making a report.
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