Is my child abuse report confidential?
Only mandated reporters are required to give their names when they report child abuse to Child Protective Services at the Department of Children and Families (DCF). They can ask to remain anonymous to protect their privacy: DCF won’t disclose their name or identity unless mandated by law (Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 319a Sections 17a-28 and 17a-101).
Unless a mandated reporter gives written permission, their name is only shared with:
- a DCF employee
- a law enforcement officer
- an appropriate state's attorney
- an appropriate assistant attorney general
- a judge and all necessary parties in a court proceeding
- a state childcare licensing agency
- an executive director of any institution, school, or facility or superintendent of schools
If DCF knows or suspects a reporter intentionally made a false report, their identity is given to the appropriate law enforcement agency. The reporter may be fined and/or sent to prison.