Child Abuse or Neglect (s. 39.201, F.S.) is harm or threatened harm to a child’s health (mental or physical) or welfare by the acts of a parent, adult household member, or other person responsible for the child’s welfare. In chapter 39 of the Florida Statutes (F.S.) it mandates that any person who knows or suspects, that a child is being abused or neglected shall immediately report it to the Florida Abuse Hotline. If a mandatory reporter fails to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect he/she is elevated from a first-degree misdemeanor to a third degree felony. Even though every person is responsible to report child abuse and neglect some occupations are required to do so by the Florida law. These are professionally mandatory reporters.