WATCH: Who typically requests the investigation when there is suspicion of child abuse or neglect?

Jennifer J. Hostetter answers:

Typically third parties make reports of suspected child abuse or child neglect to the appropriate authorities. The most common type of third party reporters are teachers or other individuals within the school and medical professionals. This is likely because Indiana law legally requires individuals in the medical or education profession to make reports of suspected child abuse or neglect. They are considered mandatory reporters.

Additionally, a child may be more likely to disclose the abuse or neglect to a third party, such as a teacher, a coach or a guidance counselor, that they trust and are able to open up with.
Indiana law also places a duty to make a report on all individuals who have reason to believe a child is a victim of abuse or neglect.

But because child abuse and neglect can be reported anonymously, you don’t often know who made the report to the Department of Child Services.