In most cases of child abuse or neglect, the mandated reporter is not required to testify in a court proceeding because most cases do not go to trial. CPS can manage most cases without a court proceeding. Even if the case goes to Family Court, however, your testimony may not be required.
If you are required to testify, you don’t need to prove that child abuse or neglect occurred. That is the responsibility of CPS. You will be asked to tell the judge what you observed and/or heard that led you to form a reasonable suspicion. CPS will then offer additional information based on the results of its in-depth investigation.