The DCFS Mandated Reporter Portal is an online form for reporting non-emergency situations of child abuse and neglect. The new guide walks a reporter through each step of the online portal, providing direction and instructions. It also includes the legal definitions of child abuse, neglect and caretaker, and has a QR code linking to the department’s Mandated Reporter training.

As mandated reporters, you are often the first ones to see signs of child abuse and neglect. This guide will equip your members with the information DCFS needs to assess reports of suspected abuse or neglect, which can ultimately lead to the best outcomes for the children involved. The new guide, training and other resources for mandated reporters are on the DCFS website at http://dcfs.la/mandatedreporters.

I also want to make you aware of Act 216, passed in the 2024 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature, which requires mandated reporters to call the DCFS Child Abuse Hotline at 1-855-4LA-KIDS (1-855-452-5437) for emergency reports. These include a life threatening injury; a child in immediate danger; a drug exposed newborn; sexual abuse; human trafficking; a Safe Haven relinquishment; and a child fatality.

Entering an emergency report in the online portal may delay DCFS’ response to a child in an unsafe environment because we do not know that it is an emergency.

Thank you for helping us keep children safe by sharing this new guide and other tools for mandated reporters. Together, we will work to protect vulnerable children in our state.