Idaho receives nearly 23,000 calls per year of suspected child abuse, neglect, or abandonment, so you are not alone if you need to report concerns about a child. Learn what to do if you need to make a report as we answer this and other questions about Idaho’s reporting law.
Child and Family Services’ role is limited to what may be happening in a family home. If a child is the victim of maltreatment by an individual not living in the home, such as a neighbor, family friend, or relative, the report is forwarded to law enforcement. However, if there are concerns that the child’s parents are unwilling or unable to protect the child from further harm, Child and Family Services may proceed with a safety assessment.
Mandatory reporting and exemptionsEveryone in Idaho is required to report child abuse, neglect or abandonment. This includes doctors, hospital residents, therapists, interns, nurses, coroners, school teachers, daycare providers, social workers, relatives, friends, and private citizens. Idaho has only one exception for mandatory reporting for a “duly ordained minister of religion.”
All callers can remain anonymous. Callers may provide their name and phone number for the assigned social worker to contact them to confirm the report and gather any additional information. Department staff DO NOT disclose caller information to the family. The social worker will tell the family the caller's information is confidential and if the family requests their records the information will be redacted.