Are your volunteers mandated reporters?
It depends on the state, and the difference is bigger than most organizations realize. In roughly 17 states any person who suspects child abuse must report — profession is irrelevant, so every volunteer is covered. In the other 33 the statute names occupations, and whether it reaches a volunteer depends on what they actually do.
Read this before the map: anyone may report, everywhere
In every state, every territory and the District of Columbia, any person is permitted to report suspected child abuse, whether or not they are required to. This page is about who carries a legal duty — it is not a list of who is allowed to call, because that is everyone. If a volunteer suspects a child is being harmed, they should report it regardless of what colour their state is below.
Where the duty is universal
Red states have settled the question for you. Blue states have not — there the answer turns on your volunteers' actual roles. Select any state for its screening and reporting context.
- Any person must report (no profession list)4
- Any person must report13
- Named professions — depends on the role33
states where any person must report — your volunteers are covered whatever their role
require all persons to report without naming any professions at all — Indiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, Wyoming
name professions instead — whether a volunteer is covered depends on the role
States that name volunteers inside a profession list
Some profession-list states reach volunteers explicitly. These are the ones we have verified — it is not an exhaustive list, and a state's absence here does not mean its statute excludes volunteers. It means we have not confirmed it and will not guess.
Washington
Names volunteers at for-profit or nonprofit organizations who coach, train, educate or counsel children, or who regularly have unsupervised access to children.
Virginia
Names any volunteer with a private sports organization or team, and volunteer Boy Scout leaders.
South Dakota
Names volunteers of a domestic abuse shelter, a child advocacy organization, or a child welfare service provider.
West Virginia
Names any volunteer of an entity that provides organized activities for children.
Every state
Alabama
It depends on the role. Alabama names occupations rather than requiring universal reporting, so whether a volunteer is a mandated reporter turns on whether the statutory list reaches what they actually do. We have not verified the volunteer-specific detail for this state — read the statute or ask your state agency before writing your policy.
Alaska
It depends on the role. Alaska names occupations rather than requiring universal reporting, so whether a volunteer is a mandated reporter turns on whether the statutory list reaches what they actually do. We have not verified the volunteer-specific detail for this state — read the statute or ask your state agency before writing your policy.
Arizona
It depends on the role. Arizona names occupations rather than requiring universal reporting, so whether a volunteer is a mandated reporter turns on whether the statutory list reaches what they actually do. We have not verified the volunteer-specific detail for this state — read the statute or ask your state agency before writing your policy.
Arkansas
It depends on the role. Arkansas names occupations rather than requiring universal reporting, so whether a volunteer is a mandated reporter turns on whether the statutory list reaches what they actually do. We have not verified the volunteer-specific detail for this state — read the statute or ask your state agency before writing your policy.
California
It depends on the role. California names occupations rather than requiring universal reporting, so whether a volunteer is a mandated reporter turns on whether the statutory list reaches what they actually do. We have not verified the volunteer-specific detail for this state — read the statute or ask your state agency before writing your policy.
Colorado
It depends on the role. Colorado names occupations rather than requiring universal reporting, so whether a volunteer is a mandated reporter turns on whether the statutory list reaches what they actually do. We have not verified the volunteer-specific detail for this state — read the statute or ask your state agency before writing your policy.
Connecticut
It depends on the role. Connecticut names occupations rather than requiring universal reporting, so whether a volunteer is a mandated reporter turns on whether the statutory list reaches what they actually do. We have not verified the volunteer-specific detail for this state — read the statute or ask your state agency before writing your policy.
Delaware
Yes. Delaware names certain professionals AND requires any person to report, regardless of profession — so your volunteers are covered by the universal provision whatever role they hold.
Florida
It depends on the role. Florida names occupations rather than requiring universal reporting, so whether a volunteer is a mandated reporter turns on whether the statutory list reaches what they actually do. We have not verified the volunteer-specific detail for this state — read the statute or ask your state agency before writing your policy.
Georgia
It depends on the role. Georgia names occupations rather than requiring universal reporting, so whether a volunteer is a mandated reporter turns on whether the statutory list reaches what they actually do. We have not verified the volunteer-specific detail for this state — read the statute or ask your state agency before writing your policy.
Hawaii
It depends on the role. Hawaii names occupations rather than requiring universal reporting, so whether a volunteer is a mandated reporter turns on whether the statutory list reaches what they actually do. We have not verified the volunteer-specific detail for this state — read the statute or ask your state agency before writing your policy.
Idaho
Yes. Idaho names certain professionals AND requires any person to report, regardless of profession — so your volunteers are covered by the universal provision whatever role they hold.
Illinois
It depends on the role. Illinois names occupations rather than requiring universal reporting, so whether a volunteer is a mandated reporter turns on whether the statutory list reaches what they actually do. We have not verified the volunteer-specific detail for this state — read the statute or ask your state agency before writing your policy.
Indiana
Yes. Indiana requires all persons to report suspected child abuse without naming any professions at all — so a volunteer's role is irrelevant to the duty. Every adult in your organization is a mandated reporter.
Iowa
It depends on the role. Iowa names occupations rather than requiring universal reporting, so whether a volunteer is a mandated reporter turns on whether the statutory list reaches what they actually do. We have not verified the volunteer-specific detail for this state — read the statute or ask your state agency before writing your policy.
Kansas
It depends on the role. Kansas names occupations rather than requiring universal reporting, so whether a volunteer is a mandated reporter turns on whether the statutory list reaches what they actually do. We have not verified the volunteer-specific detail for this state — read the statute or ask your state agency before writing your policy.
Kentucky
Yes. Kentucky names certain professionals AND requires any person to report, regardless of profession — so your volunteers are covered by the universal provision whatever role they hold.
Louisiana
It depends on the role. Louisiana names occupations rather than requiring universal reporting, so whether a volunteer is a mandated reporter turns on whether the statutory list reaches what they actually do. We have not verified the volunteer-specific detail for this state — read the statute or ask your state agency before writing your policy.
Maine
It depends on the role. Maine names occupations rather than requiring universal reporting, so whether a volunteer is a mandated reporter turns on whether the statutory list reaches what they actually do. We have not verified the volunteer-specific detail for this state — read the statute or ask your state agency before writing your policy.
Maryland
Yes. Maryland names certain professionals AND requires any person to report, regardless of profession — so your volunteers are covered by the universal provision whatever role they hold.
Massachusetts
It depends on the role. Massachusetts names occupations rather than requiring universal reporting, so whether a volunteer is a mandated reporter turns on whether the statutory list reaches what they actually do. We have not verified the volunteer-specific detail for this state — read the statute or ask your state agency before writing your policy.
Michigan
It depends on the role. Michigan names occupations rather than requiring universal reporting, so whether a volunteer is a mandated reporter turns on whether the statutory list reaches what they actually do. We have not verified the volunteer-specific detail for this state — read the statute or ask your state agency before writing your policy.
Minnesota
It depends on the role. Minnesota names occupations rather than requiring universal reporting, so whether a volunteer is a mandated reporter turns on whether the statutory list reaches what they actually do. We have not verified the volunteer-specific detail for this state — read the statute or ask your state agency before writing your policy.
Mississippi
Yes. Mississippi names certain professionals AND requires any person to report, regardless of profession — so your volunteers are covered by the universal provision whatever role they hold.
Missouri
It depends on the role. Missouri names occupations rather than requiring universal reporting, so whether a volunteer is a mandated reporter turns on whether the statutory list reaches what they actually do. We have not verified the volunteer-specific detail for this state — read the statute or ask your state agency before writing your policy.
Montana
It depends on the role. Montana names occupations rather than requiring universal reporting, so whether a volunteer is a mandated reporter turns on whether the statutory list reaches what they actually do. We have not verified the volunteer-specific detail for this state — read the statute or ask your state agency before writing your policy.
Nebraska
Yes. Nebraska names certain professionals AND requires any person to report, regardless of profession — so your volunteers are covered by the universal provision whatever role they hold.
Nevada
It depends on the role. Nevada names occupations rather than requiring universal reporting, so whether a volunteer is a mandated reporter turns on whether the statutory list reaches what they actually do. We have not verified the volunteer-specific detail for this state — read the statute or ask your state agency before writing your policy.
New Hampshire
Yes. New Hampshire names certain professionals AND requires any person to report, regardless of profession — so your volunteers are covered by the universal provision whatever role they hold.
New Jersey
Yes. New Jersey requires all persons to report suspected child abuse without naming any professions at all — so a volunteer's role is irrelevant to the duty. Every adult in your organization is a mandated reporter.
New Mexico
Yes. New Mexico names certain professionals AND requires any person to report, regardless of profession — so your volunteers are covered by the universal provision whatever role they hold.
New York
It depends on the role. New York names occupations rather than requiring universal reporting, so whether a volunteer is a mandated reporter turns on whether the statutory list reaches what they actually do. We have not verified the volunteer-specific detail for this state — read the statute or ask your state agency before writing your policy.
North Carolina
Yes. North Carolina requires all persons to report suspected child abuse without naming any professions at all — so a volunteer's role is irrelevant to the duty. Every adult in your organization is a mandated reporter.
North Dakota
It depends on the role. North Dakota names occupations rather than requiring universal reporting, so whether a volunteer is a mandated reporter turns on whether the statutory list reaches what they actually do. We have not verified the volunteer-specific detail for this state — read the statute or ask your state agency before writing your policy.
Ohio
It depends on the role. Ohio names occupations rather than requiring universal reporting, so whether a volunteer is a mandated reporter turns on whether the statutory list reaches what they actually do. We have not verified the volunteer-specific detail for this state — read the statute or ask your state agency before writing your policy.
Oklahoma
Yes. Oklahoma names certain professionals AND requires any person to report, regardless of profession — so your volunteers are covered by the universal provision whatever role they hold.
Oregon
It depends on the role. Oregon names occupations rather than requiring universal reporting, so whether a volunteer is a mandated reporter turns on whether the statutory list reaches what they actually do. We have not verified the volunteer-specific detail for this state — read the statute or ask your state agency before writing your policy.
Pennsylvania
It depends on the role. Pennsylvania names occupations rather than requiring universal reporting, so whether a volunteer is a mandated reporter turns on whether the statutory list reaches what they actually do. We have not verified the volunteer-specific detail for this state — read the statute or ask your state agency before writing your policy.
Rhode Island
Yes. Rhode Island names certain professionals AND requires any person to report, regardless of profession — so your volunteers are covered by the universal provision whatever role they hold.
South Carolina
It depends on the role. South Carolina names occupations rather than requiring universal reporting, so whether a volunteer is a mandated reporter turns on whether the statutory list reaches what they actually do. We have not verified the volunteer-specific detail for this state — read the statute or ask your state agency before writing your policy.
South Dakota
It depends on the role. South Dakota names occupations rather than requiring universal reporting, so whether a volunteer is a mandated reporter turns on whether the statutory list reaches what they actually do. We have confirmed one relevant detail: Names volunteers of a domestic abuse shelter, a child advocacy organization, or a child welfare service provider.
Tennessee
Yes. Tennessee names certain professionals AND requires any person to report, regardless of profession — so your volunteers are covered by the universal provision whatever role they hold.
Texas
Yes. Texas names certain professionals AND requires any person to report, regardless of profession — so your volunteers are covered by the universal provision whatever role they hold.
Utah
Yes. Utah names certain professionals AND requires any person to report, regardless of profession — so your volunteers are covered by the universal provision whatever role they hold.
Vermont
It depends on the role. Vermont names occupations rather than requiring universal reporting, so whether a volunteer is a mandated reporter turns on whether the statutory list reaches what they actually do. We have not verified the volunteer-specific detail for this state — read the statute or ask your state agency before writing your policy.
Virginia
It depends on the role. Virginia names occupations rather than requiring universal reporting, so whether a volunteer is a mandated reporter turns on whether the statutory list reaches what they actually do. We have confirmed one relevant detail: Names any volunteer with a private sports organization or team, and volunteer Boy Scout leaders.
Washington
It depends on the role. Washington names occupations rather than requiring universal reporting, so whether a volunteer is a mandated reporter turns on whether the statutory list reaches what they actually do. We have confirmed one relevant detail: Names volunteers at for-profit or nonprofit organizations who coach, train, educate or counsel children, or who regularly have unsupervised access to children.
West Virginia
It depends on the role. West Virginia names occupations rather than requiring universal reporting, so whether a volunteer is a mandated reporter turns on whether the statutory list reaches what they actually do. We have confirmed one relevant detail: Names any volunteer of an entity that provides organized activities for children.
Wisconsin
It depends on the role. Wisconsin names occupations rather than requiring universal reporting, so whether a volunteer is a mandated reporter turns on whether the statutory list reaches what they actually do. We have not verified the volunteer-specific detail for this state — read the statute or ask your state agency before writing your policy.
Wyoming
Yes. Wyoming requires all persons to report suspected child abuse without naming any professions at all — so a volunteer's role is irrelevant to the duty. Every adult in your organization is a mandated reporter.
Questions organizations ask
Are volunteers mandated reporters?
In roughly 17 states, yes — those states require any person who suspects child abuse or neglect to report, regardless of profession, so a volunteer is covered no matter what role they hold. In the other states the statute names occupations instead, and whether a volunteer is covered depends on whether that list reaches what they actually do. Several states name volunteer roles explicitly: Washington covers volunteers who coach, train, educate or counsel children or who regularly have unsupervised access; Virginia names private sports organization volunteers and Boy Scout leaders.
What is a universal mandated reporting state?
One where the duty to report attaches to every person rather than to a list of professions. Four states — Indiana, New Jersey, North Carolina and Wyoming — require all persons to report without naming any professions at all. Thirteen more name professionals and then also require any person to report.
If my state only names professions, can my volunteers ignore this?
No, and this is the most important thing on the page. In every state, territory and the District of Columbia, ANY person is permitted to report suspected abuse even when they are not required to. A volunteer who is not a mandated reporter can still call, and should. The legal question is about the duty; the moral and practical one is not in doubt.
Can a volunteer discharge the duty by telling a supervisor?
Usually not. In most states the reporting duty is personal to the individual who forms the suspicion, and passing it up the chain does not satisfy it. Some states additionally impose an institutional duty on the organization. Write your policy so that internal escalation happens ALONGSIDE the external report, never instead of it.
Does running a background check affect this?
Not at all, and conflating them is a common mistake. Screening is about who you let near children. Reporting is about what happens when someone already in your program sees something. A clear background check creates no reporting duty and satisfies none — they are separate obligations that happen to share a policy binder.
How current is this?
The universal-reporting list is enumerated in the Child Welfare Information Gateway's state-statute compilation, which states that it is current only through May 2023. Mandated reporter statutes are amended frequently — several states have expanded coverage since. Treat this as a map of the landscape and confirm your own state's current statute before you write policy or train anyone.
Source
Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect — State StatutesChild Welfare Information Gateway, U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services · the compilation states it is current only through May 2023.
We publish the source's own hedge rather than tidying it away: it says “approximately 17 States”, and the counts above reconcile against its own arithmetic — 17 universal states, of which 4 name no professions at all, leaving 13 that do both.
General information, not legal advice. Mandated reporter statutes are amended often and several states have expanded coverage since the source compilation. This page never tells anyone they are nota reporter — only where the answer is settled and where it depends. Confirm your state's current statute with your state agency or counsel before writing policy or training staff.
Screening and reporting are different jobs
A background check decides who gets near a child. Reporting decides what happens when someone already in your program sees something. You need both, and a clear check satisfies no reporting duty. We handle the first one — $5 a volunteer, FCRA-compliant.