Although the law does not specifically state that school counselors are legally and ethically obligated to report suspected cases of abuse or neglect because they work in schools, the school counselor's role is to ensure that students are safe from harm. The school counselor is legally mandated to report suspected child abuse or neglect within 24 hours of having reason to believe that abuse or neglect has occurred. Suspected abuse or neglect should be reported to the Department of Social Services by contacting the toll-free child abuse or neglect hotline. Reports should be made in the county where the abuse or neglect occurred or in the county where the child resides. (State Statutes Research Findings, n.d.). Before reporting suspected abuse you should be well informed about the types of abuse and neglect against you