Published: April 13, 2021
All individuals in Kentucky, regardless of profession, are required by law to report suspected child abuse or neglect. Health care providers, due to their knowledge and expertise, can offer investigators a wealth of information and insight into children’s medical conditions and injuries.
Making reports to investigators clearly, effectively and without delay can significantly alter the course of an investigation and may allow a maltreated child or children to be protected more quickly. To make a report, a “reasonable suspicion” is needed, so providers should not wait until they know for sure that maltreatment is occurring.
Sometimes coming to a final medical impression can take time, while a prompt report can allow for protection sooner.
In Kentucky, all individuals are considered mandated reporters and are required by law to report suspected abuse or neglect.
Kentucky: (877) KYSAFE1 (1-877-597-2331)
Report online during business hours
Indiana: (800) 800-5556
If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.
For guidance regarding evaluations and how to report child maltreatment concerns
Office (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.): (502) 629-3099
24/7 clinician on call: (502) 629-6000
Anyone reporting suspected child maltreatment can remain anonymous. But as a health care provider, your observations and impressions “have a lot to offer in terms of the investigation,” so it’s especially helpful to give your contact information, said Jennifer C. Green, M.D., child abuse pediatrician with Norton Children’s Pediatric Protection Specialists, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine, during a recent continuing medical education opportunity.
Health care providers sometimes have their own language, jargon and shorthand references. Communicating concerns to Child Protective Services (CPS) and law enforcement investigators in nonmedical terms will help to make a report more effective. If medical terminology is necessary to make the report, give medical terms but then explain them as you might for a patient.
Sample phrasing:
“I am making a report due to concern for (general type of abuse or neglect) regarding (child’s name and age). The concern arose when (briefly how it came to your attention and what you observed).”
It’s important to state clearly the exact concern for abuse or neglect at the start.
“From the medical world, the language we use is very different. We have to use different language and verbal cues to be able to convey information to investigators,” Dr. Green said.
Provide details and, if making a telephone report due to urgency, prepare a list of the details before calling, as it is easy to forget information that can trigger an escalation in the case’s status.
Include the following information: