Individuals are required to immediately notify the state Department of Children and Families (DCF) whenever they have reasonable cause to believe a child under eighteen years of age may be a victim of abuse.
If you choose to immediately notify your superior (or some other person of authority) where you work, that person becomes responsible for notifying DCF of the suspected abuse; however, if your superior is not available, You must file a report with DCF.
The law is designed to always give a child the benefit of the doubt, so even if you are in doubt as to whether or not a child is actually being abused, you should still file a report - it could save a life!
Mandated reporters who report abuse are absolutely immune from any liability, civil or criminal, provided that they immediately report as required by the statute - this provision in the law is designed to encourage mandated reporters to file whenever they suspect a child is at risk.
Note that the law strictly forbids employers from penalizing an employee who files a report to DCF. Any employer who discharges, discriminates or takes any other negative action against his or her employee shall be reliable for triple damages and related attorneys fees!