Colorado law (C.R.S. § 19-3-304) requires certain professionals to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect. Failure to report is a class 2 misdemeanor.
Who Is a Mandatory Reporter?
The following professionals are required by law to report suspected child abuse or neglect:
- Physicians, surgeons, and other medical professionals
- Nurses, hospital personnel, and dental health professionals
- Mental health professionals and counselors
- Teachers, school officials, and child care workers
- Social workers and caseworkers
- Law enforcement officers and firefighters
- Clergy members and religious leaders
- Commercial film and photo processors
- Veterinarians (for suspected animal abuse linked to child abuse)
- Court-appointed special advocates (CASAs)
What Are Your Obligations?
When to Report
You must report when you have reasonable cause to know or suspect that a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect, or when you observe a child being subjected to conditions that would reasonably result in abuse or neglect.
How to Report
Call the Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-844-CO-4-KIDS (1-844-264-5437). Reports should be made immediately or as soon as possible.
What to Report
Provide the child's name and location, the nature of the suspected abuse, the identity of the person responsible (if known), and any other relevant details.
Legal Protections
Colorado law provides immunity from liability for reporters who make reports in good faith. Privileged communications (such as attorney-client) do not apply to mandatory reporting.
Important Notes
- You do not need proof of abuse to make a report — reasonable suspicion is sufficient.
- You cannot delegate your reporting responsibility to someone else.
- Reports must be made to the hotline, not just to a supervisor.
- Failure to report as a mandatory reporter is a class 2 misdemeanor in Colorado.
