Mandated reporters are certain persons who are identified in the Code of Virginia as having a legal responsibility to report suspected abuse, neglect and exploitation. The purpose of mandated reporting is to identify suspected abused and neglected children or vulnerable adults as soon as possible so that they can be protected from further harm. Child Protective Services (CPS) and Adult Protective Services (APS) cannot act until a report is made. Mandated reporters play a critical role in preventing any future harm to children and vulnerable adults. Whether required by law or not, If you suspect that a child or an adult (who is over age 60 or incapacitated adults 18 years and older) is being abused, neglected, or exploited, you should immediately report your concerns to the local department of social services in your community. A list of local departments of social services, addresses and phone numbers is available on our Find Your Local Department page. After normal business hours, weekends and holidays, reports can be made to the state hotlines: APS - 888-832-3858 or CPS - 800-552-7096. A call to a hotline is not an accusation, it is a request for the helping process to begin.
