Who must report child abuse and neglect?

The law requires everyone to report suspected child abuse or neglect, “Any person or institution who has cause to suspect that any juvenile is abused or neglected or dependent, as defined by General Statute (G.S.) 7B-101, or has died as the result of maltreatment shall report the case of that juvenile to the director of the Department of Social Services, or his/her designee, in the county where the juvenile resides or is found,” (G.S. 7B-310). This reporting requirement applies to professionals such as physicians, psychologist, other health and mental health workers, day care workers, and school personnel. But it applies equally to friends, neighbors, relatives. and anyone else who suspects that a child is abused or neglected.

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1. What is child protective services?
2. What is child abuse?
3. What is child neglect?
4. What is dependency?
5. How do I make a report?
6. Do I have to give my name when I make a report?
7. Who must report child abuse and neglect?