In New York State, a mandated reporter need not be absolutely certain that an injury or condition was caused by abuse or maltreatment/neglect; the reporter should only be able to entertain the possibility that it could have been neglect or non-accidental in order to possess the necessary “reasonable cause”. The mandated reporter does not have to prove the abuse or maltreatment. It is enough for the mandated reporter to be suspicious, to distrust or doubt what s/he personally observes or is told.