The elements of reporting laws differ between States, but basically, they define mandated reporters as all professionals who come into contact with children and have knowledge of or reasonable cause to believe a child is being neglected or physically or sexually abused. Child abuse reporting laws are generally broad and provide a great deal of latitude to State agents to accept and investigate reports. Federal and State laws pursue two approaches to protecting children at risk of abuse or neglect and those who have actually been maltreated; these include measures taken to serve children in their own homes and placement in out-of-home, or foster, care. Issues pertaining to court intervention include standard of proof, evidence, juvenile court jurisdiction, representation for children in juvenile court proceedings, and child testimony. 6 notes and 62 references