Comparing reports of suspected child maltreatment in states with and without Universal Mandated Reporting

•More states are considering Universal Mandated Reporting of child maltreatment.•States with Universal Mandated Reporting do not have more reports.•States with Universal Mandated Reporting are not more likely to find maltreatment.•States with Universal Mandated Reporting had more reports involving neglect.

Every state has a statute through which certain individuals are required to report suspicions of child maltreatment to Child Protective Services. Some states require all adults to report suspicions of child maltreatment (Universal Mandated Reporting); other states only require certain professionals to make such reports. In response to high profile child sexual abuse cases, many states have considered moving to Universal Mandated Reporting. This study compares characteristics and outcomes of reports from states with and without Universal Mandated Reporting. Analysis found no differences in the rate of report or report disposition. Reports from educational personnel in states with universal reporting made up a smaller proportion of reports than in states where only a delineated list of professionals are required to report. Additionally, states with Universal Mandated Reporting had more reports involving neglect as compared to other states. These findings are important to inform any movement to expand Universal Mandated Reporting.