State Specific Information on Child Abuse

There are resources on reporting child abuse available at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website:

https://www.usa.gov/federal-agencies/child-welfare-information-gateway

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ website also contains a list of child abuse reporting telephone numbers for each state and includes links to each state’s child welfare agency website.

https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/systemwide/laws-policies/can/reporting/

This link provides access to the U.S. Department of Health web pages on mandatory reporting across all 50 states:

https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/systemwide/laws-policies/state/

Below is a link from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on how to report suspected child abuse:

https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/responding/reporting/how/

There is a national child abuse reporting hotline, which is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with crisis counselors and a nationwide database of emergency, social service, and support resources to help and guide any person deciding whether or not to make a report of child abuse:

ChildHelp National Child Abuse Hotline
1-800-4-A-CHILD
1-800-422-4453

The Alabama Child Abuse statutes with regard to the reporting of child abuse or neglect is found in Title 26 of the Code of Alabama sections 26-14-1 through 26-14-13.  Alabama Law requires certain listed professionals (including doctors, any other medical professional, physical therapists, teachers, administrators, and employees of public or private K-12 institutions, police officers, day care employees, mental health professionals or clergy to report orally, by phone or in person, any known or suspected child abuse to the proper authorities and to follow up the oral report with a written report to a duly constituted authority.  Any person who knowingly fails to make the report required by the Alabama Law shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a sentence of not more than six months imprisonment or a fine of not more than $500.00.

In addition, the Alabama Statutes permit any other person, firm, corporation, or official who knows of or suspects child abuse to voluntarily make the same report to the proper authorities.

The Department of Human Resources shall make efforts to determine the military status of the parent or guardian of the child who is the subject of child abuse or neglect allegations and shall notify a United States Department of Defense Family Advocacy Program that there is an allegation of child abuse being investigated.

Abuse is defined by the statute as any harm or threatened harm to a child’s health, welfare, or well-being, including physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, mental abuse or attempted sexual abuse or exploitation.

The proper duly constituted authorities to contact with any known or suspected child abuse are the Department of Human Resources, the chief of police for the city, town, or county, the sheriff or any person, group or organization designated by the Department of Human Resources to receive child abuse reports.

Links to the specific sections of the Alabama Code are available as noted below.  The mandatory reporting statutes are found in Title 26 (INFANTS AND INCOMPETENTS), Chapter 14 (REPORTING OF CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT), Sections 26-14-1 through 26-14-13.  Chapters 15 and 16 of Title 26 also contain sections dealing with “Child Abuse Generally” and “Child Abuse and Neglect” respectively.  To access the Alabama Code, follow:

http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/alison/codeofalabama/1975/coatoc.htm (open hyper-link, click on Title 26 and then on Chapter 14 (or the desired chapter) to view specific sections of the Alabama Law.

This link provides access to contact information for the Alabama Department of Human Resources by County:

https://dhr.alabama.gov/

This is a link to the child abuse reporting information provided by the Alabama Department of Human Resources website:

https://dhr.alabama.gov/child-protective-services/child-abuse-neglect-reporting/

and to the Frequently Asked Questions on child abuse reporting on the Alabama Department of Human Resources website:

https://dhr.alabama.gov/child-protective-services/child-protective-services-faq/

The Alaska Law regarding the reporting of child abuse or neglect is found at Title 47 of the Welfare, Social Services and Institutions statute, Chapter 17, Sections 47.17.010 through 47.17.290. Alaska requires certain listed individuals (including health care providers, teachers and administrators, police officers, institutional administrative officers, day care or child care providers, paid employees of domestic violence intervention or prevention programs,  paid employees of drug and/or alcohol treatment or rehabilitation programs, members of special teams that review deaths of children, juvenile probation officers, juvenile probation office staff, staff of juvenile facilities and treatment facilities and athletic coaches) who in the course of performing their jobs know or have reasonable cause to suspect a child is being abused or neglected to report the abuse to the Department of Family and Community  Services.  Athletic Coach is defined as (i) a paid leader or assistant of a sports team or (ii) a volunteer leader or assistant of a sports team who volunteers as a leader of a sports team for more than four hours a week (Section 47.17.070 renumbered as 47.17.290[1]).    The law also provides that any other person who knows or has reasonable cause to suspect child abuse or neglect may report the harm to the child to the Department of Family and Community Services.  If the harm appears to be the result of a suspected sex offense, they shall immediately report the harm to the nearest law enforcement agency.   All abuse or suspected abuse should be reported immediately. Volunteers who interact with children in a public or private school for more than four hours a week and suspect that a child has suffered harm as a result of child abuse or neglect shall immediately report the harm to the nearest office of the Department.  The department shall immediately notify the nearest law enforcement agency if the department conclude possible criminal sex abuse or sex offense, including sex offenses committed by a minor against a minor.  There is no requirement for an athletic coach who is an unpaid volunteer to report child abuse unless the coach volunteers from more than four hours a week for four consecutive weeks or 20 hours a week in a one-month period; has received training required under 47.17.022 and has signed a form that the coach is required to report child abuse or neglect under this section (47.17.020).

If there is an emergency situation and the Department of Family and Community Services cannot be reached, the statute allows a person to make the report to a law enforcement officer who is then required to act and notify the Department of Family and Community Services as soon as possible.

The statute defines child abuse as physical injury, neglect, mental injury, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, or other maltreatment of a child that harms the health or welfare of the child. The definition of child abuse or neglect may be found under section 47.17.290.

To access the entire child abuse reporting chapter of the Alaska Code online, follow:

http://touchngo.com/lglcntr/akstats/Statutes/Title47/Chapter17.htm (To access specific section, click on the link for the desired section).

This link provides access to contact information for the Department of Family and Community Services:

http://dhss.alaska.gov/Commissioner/Pages/Contacts/default.aspx

The Department of Family and Community Services also provides this phone number to make reports if the appropriate office cannot be reached:  1-800-478-4444.

This is a link to the child abuse reporting information provided by the Department of Health and Social Services web site:

https://dfcs.alaska.gov/ocs/Pages/default.aspx

This link provides access to contact information for the Department of Family and Community Services:

http://dhss.alaska.gov/Commissioner/Pages/Contacts/default.aspx

The Department of Family and Community Services also provides this phone number to make reports if the appropriate office cannot be reached:  1-800-478-4444.

This is a link to the child abuse reporting information provided by the Department of Health and Social Services web site:

https://dfcs.alaska.gov/ocs/Pages/default.aspx

[1] Alaska H.B. 114, which was signed by the Governor on July 15, 2022, amend 47.17.070 as follows:

The first amendment, effective July 1, 2023 inserted “early education program” in paragraph 12 defining Organization the second amendment effective November 30, 2022, substituted “physical therapist assistants following “physical therapists” in paragraph 14 defining “practitioner of healing arts” definition, and the third amendment effective July 1, 2022, substituted “Department of Family and Community Services’ for “Department of Health and Social Services” defining “Department.”

Arizona requires that a certain list of persons (including health care professionals, mental health paraprofessionals, public or private school counselors, school officials including officials of institutions of higher education,  peace officers, parents/guardians/step-parents of a child, teachers or administrators, domestic violence advocates and any other person who has responsibility for the care or treatment of a child) who reasonably believes that a child has been the victim of child abuse or neglect to immediately report known or suspected child abuse to a peace officer or the Department of  Child Safety or to a Tribal Law Enforcement or Social  Services Agency for any Indian minor who resides on an Indian Reservation.  The Arizona Law can be found under Title 13, Chapter 36 in the section dealing with Family Offenses (Sections 13.3601 through 13-3625). If the abuse is being performed by someone other than a custodian of this child, then the abuse is to be reported only to a law enforcement officer.  Any person who is employed as the immediate or next higher-level supervisor to or administrator of a person who has a duty to report abuse, and who reasonably believes that the report has been made by a person who is required to report, the supervisor or administrator is not required to report.

Reports are to be made immediately, by telephone or electronically.  Any other person not mentioned in this statute who reasonably believes that a child is being abused or neglected may report that information to a peace officer or to the Department of Child Safety, unless the abuse is not at the hands of the custodian of the child, in which case the report should be made only to a peace officer.

The statute defines “abuse” as intentional physical injury, neglect, mental injury, inflicting or allowing sexual abuse or other sexual contact as prohibited by state law and unreasonable confinement of the child. To access the specific sections summarized above in the Arizona Code online, follow:

Arizona Revised Statutes (azleg.gov) (scroll down to Chapter 36 and click on desired section)

Follow this link to reach the Arizona Department of Child Safety home page and other resources on child abuse reporting:

https://dcs.az.gov

Follow this link to reach the Arizona Department of Child Safety Services information on reporting abuse or neglect:

https://dcs.az.gov/services/suspect-abuse-report-it-now

Arizona Child Abuse Hotline:
Toll free at 1-888-SOS-CHILD
1-888-767-2445

The Arkansas Law is found in Title 12, Chapter 18 titled Child Maltreatment Act.  (Sections 12-18-101 through 12-18-1202)  Under Arkansas law, certain individuals (including child care workers, coroners, dentists and dental hygienists, domestic abuse advocates or domestic violence shelter employees or volunteers, employees or volunteers at a reproductive health center, employees of the Department of Human Services, foster parents, judges, law enforcement officials, medical professionals and health care personnel, school officials including in institutions of higher education and teachers, school counselors, social workers, court appointed advocates or probation/intake officers, clergy, attorneys, an employee working under contract, or a contractor of the Department of Human Services when acting within the scope of his or her contract or employment, a Child Welfare Ombudsman, full or part-time employees of a public and private school such as counselors, officials, teachers, a coach or director of public or private athletic organization, team, or club, and a coach or director of a public or private nonathletic organization, team, or club and others) are mandated by law to immediately notify the Child Abuse Hotline, operated by the Department of Human Services, if he or she reasonably suspects a child has been subject to maltreatment, observes a child being subject to conditions or circumstances that will result in maltreatment or suspects that a child died as a result of maltreatment. A mandated reporter also includes any person who is 21 years of age and volunteers in a public or private school as a coach or director of a private athletic organization, team, or club or as a coach or director of a public or private nonathletic organization, team, or club. A mandated reporter also includes any person who is 21 years of age and volunteers in a public or private school as a coach or director of a private athletic organization, team, or club or as a coach or director of a public or private nonathletic organization, team, or club.

Any other person shall immediately notify the Child Abuse Hotline if they have reasonable cause to suspect child maltreatment, child death as a result of maltreatment or observes the child being subject to conditions which may result in maltreatment of the child.

A mandated reporter who in good faith notifies the Child Abuse Hotline is immune from civil and criminal liability.

Abuse is defined by the statute and means acts and omissions by a parent, guardian, custodian, foster parent, person living in the home with the child whether related or not or any person legally responsible for the child’s welfare for those acts both specifically listed and unlisted in the statute. The act defines severe child “maltreatment” to include sexual abuse, sexual exploitation.  Abandonment, sexual abuse, and Neglect are statutorily defined as well.   (ACA Section 12-18-103).

The mandatory reporting statutes are found in Title 12 (Law Enforcement, Emergency Management, and Military Affairs), Subtitle 2 (Law Enforcement Agencies and Programs), and Chapter 18 (Child Maltreatment Act), Subchapters 12-18-101 through 12-18-1202.  To access Title 12, Subtitle 2, Chapter 18 Subchapters 1-12, Sections 12-18-101 through 12-18-1202).

https://law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/2019/title-12/subtitle-2/chapter-18/  (click on desired Subchapter for a particular subsection.[1]

The Arkansas Department of Human Services Website provides an overview of the Arkansas Law, frequently asked questions and warning signs of abuse, definitions, links to the Arkansas Code, and information for mandatory reporters at the links below:

http://www.humanservices.arkansas.gov/dcfs/pages/childprotectiveservices.aspx

Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline:
1-800-482-5964
Fax 1-501-618-8952

[1] Please note that the above online sources may not reflect the most current changes in Arkansas law and should not be relied upon.

Under California law, certain individuals (including teachers and school officials, day care or child care employees, employees of day camps or youth organizations or recreation programs or centers, directors, coaches, assistant coaches or athletic personnel at public or private sports organizations, public assistance workers, district attorneys, case workers, doctors or medical professionals or health care workers, counselors and therapists (including candidates), coroners, commercial film developers, animal control officers, clergy, law enforcement officers or employees of a police department, alcohol and drug counselors, among others) are required to immediately or as soon as practicably possible report suspected child abuse to any police department, sheriff’s department, county probation department (if designated by the county to receive mandated reports), or the county welfare department, but not including school district police or security with a follow up written report to follow within 36 hours.  These agencies will also accept reports from persons not named above as mandatory reporters.  An internal policy shall not direct an employee to allow his or her supervisor to file or process a mandated report under any circumstance.  School districts that do not train their employees in the duties of mandated reporters under the child abuse reporting laws will have to report to the State Department of Education the reasons why this training is not provided.  Public and private organizations are encouraged to provide their volunteers, whose duties require direct contact with and supervision of children, with training in the identification and reporting of child abuse and neglect.  (California Penal Code Section 11165.7(b) & (g)).

A Child Care Licensee applicant shall take training in the duties of mandated reporters as a condition of licensure.  A Child Care Administrator or employee of a licensed Child Day Care Facility shall take Mandated Reporters training within the first 90 days when employed by the Facility.  A Licensee, Administrator or employee of a Licensed Child Day Care Facility shall take renewal Mandated Reporter training every two years.  The absence of training shall not excuse a Mandated Reporter from the duties imposed.

A County Probation or Welfare Department shall immediately report a child victim of commercial sexual exploitation.  If a child victim of commercial sexual exploitation is missing, the County Probation or Welfare Department shall immediately report the incident to the appropriate Law Enforcement Authority for entry into the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Crime Information database for Missing and Exploited Children.

The statutes define child abuse or neglect as physical injury or death inflicted upon a child through non-accidental means, the willful harming or endangering of a child, or unlawful corporal punishment.

The statutes also define neglect, sexual abuse, and willful endangerment of a child.

County welfare agencies may develop a program for internet-based reporting of child abuse and neglect. The program may receive reports by mandated reporters of suspected child abuse or neglect.

Section 18975 of the California Business and Professional Code[1]  mandates that an administrator, employee, or regular volunteer of a youth service organization shall complete training in child abuse and neglect identification and reporting. This training requirement can be met by completing online mandated reporter training provided by the Office of Child Abuse in the State Department of Social Services.  (Section 18975(a)). Section 18975 of the California Business and Professional Code defines “Youth Service Organization” as an organization that employs or utilizes the services of persons who due to their relationship with the organization, are mandated reporters pursuant to paragraph (7) of subdivision (a) of Section 11165.7(“Mandated Reporter”) of the Penal Code.  Section 11165.7(a)(7) provides that an administrator or employee of a public or private youth center, youth recreation program, or youth organization is a mandated reporter. As stated above, pursuant to Section 11165.7(b) volunteers of public or private organizations who duties require direct contact with, and supervision of children are not mandated reporters.  “Regular Volunteer” means a volunteer with the youth service organization who is 18 years of age and who has direct contact with, or supervision of, children for more 16 hours per month or 32 hours per year.

The mandatory reporting statute is found in Part 4 (PREVENTION OF CRIMES AND APPREHENSION OF CRIMINALS), Title 1 (INVESTIGATION AND CONTROL OF CRIMES AND CRIMINALS), Chapter 2 (Control of Crimes and Criminals), Article 2.5 (Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act), Sections 11164 through 11174.3.  To access the entire California Penal Code, follow:

http://codes.findlaw.com/ca/penal-code  (type in citation to desired section)

Links to the specific sections summarized above, including definitions, in the version of the California Code online, are available as follows:

http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/cacode/PEN/3/4/1/2/2.5/s11165.9
http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/cacode/HSC/1/d10/4/1/s11165.1
http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/cacode/PEN/3/4/1/2/2.5/s11165.6
http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/cacode/PEN/3/4/1/2/2.5/s11165.2
http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/cacode/PEN/3/4/1/2/2.5/s11165.3
http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/cacode/PEN/3/4/1/2/2.5/s11165.7
https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/penal-code/pen-sect-11166.html
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=BPC&division=8.&title=&part=&chapter=2.9.&article=

Below is a link to A.B. 506:

California-2021-AB506-Chaptered (legiscan.com)

Below is a link to A.B. 2669:

Bill Text: CA AB2669 | 2021-2022 | Regular Session | Chaptered | LegiScan

Below is a link to the California Department of Social Services Information Resources Guide:

http://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/Guide

Below is a link to and a web address for a PDF of the child abuse reporting hotlines for all counties:

Child Protective Services (CPS) Hotlines:

https://www.cdss.ca.gov/reporting/report-abuse/child-protective-services/report-child-abuse

Below is a link provided by the Department of Social Services regarding reporting child abuse:

https://www.cdss.ca.gov/reporting/report-abuse/child-protective-services

[1] Assembly Bill 506 was approved by Governor Gavin Newsom on September 16, 2021, which created Section 18975 “Administrator, Employee or Volunteer of Youth Service Organization Training” under the California Business and Professions Code.  Although subsequent legislation (A.B. 2669 Approved by the Governor on September 6, 2022), delayed implementation of background check requirement for youth services organizations provided for in A.B. 506, A.B. 2669 did not delay implementation of the remaining Sections of 18975.

Under Colorado law, certain listed individuals (including doctors or other medical professionals, coroners, dentists, teachers and school administrators, social workers, counselors or other mental health professionals or candidates, including unlicensed psychotherapists,

veterinarians, law enforcement officers, firefighters, victims’ advocates, clergy, employees of the department of human services, child and family investigators, probation officers, animal protection officer, and other named individuals) are required to report any known or reasonably suspected abuse or neglect or conditions that might lead to abuse or neglect of a child to the County Department of Social Services or a local law enforcement agency.  In addition, officials or employees of County Departments of Health, Human Services or Social Services is required to report child abuse or neglect.  (Section 19-3-304(2)[1]).

Any other person, in addition to those specifically named in the statute, shall report any known or suspected abuse, neglect, or conditions that could lead to abuse or neglect, of a child to a local law enforcement agency, the county Department of Social Services, or through the child abuse reporting hotline system immediately to be followed by a written report by those persons required to report.  Any person who willfully violates the requirement to report child abuse or neglect commits a class 2 misdemeanor.

“Abuse” or “Child Abuse” or “Neglect” means an act or omission that threatens the welfare of a child in the categories set forth in Section 19-3-103(1)(a)(I) through (VII).

No person shall be prosecuted, tried, or punished for an offense that pertains to a report of unlawful sexual behavior and under circumstances when a mandatory reporter has reasonable cause to know or suspect that a child has been subjected to unlawful sexual behavior or observed the child being subjected to circumstances or conditions that would reasonably result in unlawful sexual behavior unless the indictment, information, complaint, or action for the same is found or instituted within three years after the commission of the offense(Section19-3-304(5)).

The Colorado Abuse Reporting Act is found in Title 19 (CHILDREN’S CODE) (known as the Child Protection Act of 1987), Article 3 (Dependency and Neglect), Sections 19-1-301 and 19-3-301 through 19-3-318.  There is no direct link to the specific section of the Colorado Code.  To access the entire Colorado Code online, follow:

Colorado Revised Statutes Title 19. Children’s Code § 19-1-103 | FindLaw

https://codes.findlaw.com/co/title-19-childrens-code/co-rev-st-sect-19-3-304.html
https://codes.findlaw.com/co/title-19-childrens-code/co-rev-st-sect-19-3-307/

Please note that the online version of the Colorado Children’s Code may not reflect the most current amendments to Colorado Law

Below is the link to the Colorado State Department of Social Services web site on reporting child abuse and the contact information for each county’s department of human services office:

http://co4kids.org/child-abuse-neglect

If you want to report suspected abuse or neglect you should contact the county in which the activity is taking place.  If you do not know what county, you may call the state Department of Human Services at:

1-844-CO-4-Kids

[1] Colorado HB.1295 and SB. 219 enacted April 25 and June 7, 2022, expanded Section 19-3-304 “Persons Required to Report Child Abuse or Neglect to include Social Workers, officials of county departments of health, human services, or social services registered Naturopathic doctors, employees of the Department of Early Childhood and Dental Therapists or Hygienists.

Under Connecticut law, certain listed professionals (including doctors or other health care professionals and employees, mental health professionals or counselors, school employees, social workers, probation officers, law enforcement officers, clergy, domestic violence or sexual assault counselors, day care or child care employees, foster parents, employees of the state Department of Public Health and the Department of Children and Families, any employee of the Office of Early Childhood who is responsible for the licensing of child day care centers, group day care homes, family day care homes or youth camps, child advocates, any person who holds or is issued a coaching permit by the state board of education, is a coach of intramural or interscholastic athletics, and is 18 years of age or older, any individual who is employed as a coach or director of youth athletics who is 18 years old or older, any individual who is employed as a coach or director of a private youth sports organization, league or team who is 18 years old or older, any paid administrator, faculty, staff, athletic director, athletic coach or athletic trainer employed by a public or private institution of higher education who is 18 years old or older, excluding student employees, any person employed, including any person employed under contract and any independent ombudsperson, to work at a juvenile detention facility or any other facility where children under eighteen years of age are detained and who has direct contact with children as part of such employment, any person who is a licensed behavior analyst, and other named mandated reporters – Section 17a-101) are required to report orally (by phone or in person or electronically) any known or suspected child abuse they encounter in the ordinary course of their employment or profession to the Commissioner of Children and Families or to a local law enforcement agency as soon as practicable, but not later than twelve hours after they have cause to know of or suspect child abuse.  (Section 17a-101b) Mandated reporters are also required to file a written or electronic report of the known or suspected abuse to the Commissioner of Children and Families within 48 hours after making the oral report.  (Section 171-101c).

To access the entire Connecticut Chapter on Child Welfare, including any relevant definitions, follow:

https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_319a.htm

To access the entire Connecticut Code online, follow the link below.  The reporting act is contained in Title 17a (Social and Human Services and Resources), Chapter 319a (Child Welfare), Sections 17a-101 through 17a-132:

http://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/titles.htm

The Connecticut Department of Children and Families website provides valuable information including:

Definitions of abuse and neglect:

www.ct.gov/dcf/cwp/view.asp?a=2639&Q=393928

Information for mandatory reporters:

http://www.ct.gov/dcf/cwp/view.asp?a=3483&Q=413540

Answers to frequently asked questions about reporting child abuse, including a link to the required written report form for mandatory reporters:

http://www.ct.gov/dcf/cwp/view.asp?a=2556&q=314388

The Connecticut Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Connecticut strongly encourages anyone who suspects that a child has been abused or neglected or is in danger of abuse or neglect to call the Hotline at:

1-800-842-2288 or TDD: 1-800-624-5518 

Under Delaware law, any person (including certain listed professionals), organization or other entity that knows of or has good faith suspicion of the abuse or neglect of a child is required to report that known or suspected abuse or neglect immediately to the Division of Family Services (by telephone or in person). (Title 16, Section 903).  The Division of Family Services will inform any person required to report of suspected child abuse, the right to obtain information concerning the disposition of the report.   Any person may also give an oral or written report to any police officer but must still make the report to the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families. (Title 16, Section 904).

Abuse is defined by the statute as any physical injury, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, torture, exploitation, maltreatment, or mistreatment.  (See Title 10, Section 901 for definitions)

The mandatory reporting statute is found in Title 16 (Health and Safety), Part II (Regulatory Provisions Concerning Public Health), Chapter 9 (ABUSE OF CHILDREN), Sections 901 through 914.  To access the entire Delaware Chapter on Child Abuse, follow:

http://delcode.delaware.gov/title16/c009/sc01/index.shtml

Links to the specific sections summarized above, including definitions, in the version of the Code online[1], are available by clicking on the desired section:

16 Delaware Code Chapter 9, Subchapter I (2022) – Reports and Investigations of Abuse and Neglect :: 2022 Delaware Code :: US Codes and Statutes :: US Law :: Justia

The Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families website contains valuable links, information, and the answers to frequently asked questions about reporting child abuse in Delaware:

http://kids.delaware.gov/fs/fs_iseethesigns.shtml

The Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families website also contains the form to be used by those who are required by law to report child abuse or neglect, in a written report. *Please note, professionals are still required to complete a call to the Report Line when using this form.

https://dscyfkids.force.com/ReporterPortal/s/

In Delaware, ALL REPORTS of child abuse and neglect should be made to the toll-free number below 24 hours a day, seven days a week at:

Child Abuse and Neglect Report Line:
1-800-292-9582

[1] Please note that the online version of the Delaware Code may not reflect the most current changes in Delaware law and should not be relied upon.

The District of Columbia requires certain individuals and professionals (including employees of the department of child and family services, doctors and other medical or health care professionals and employees, law enforcement officers, animal cruelty officers, school teachers and officials, public housing officers, employees of the department of parks and recreation, social workers, day care or child care workers, domestic violence counselors and mental health care professionals) that have reasonable cause to suspect child abuse or reasonable cause to suspect a child is in immediate danger of abuse and discovers this information in his or her professional capacity, are required by law to immediately report the knowledge or suspected abuse to either the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia or the Child and Family Services Agency. Professionals in hospitals, schools, or agencies are required to also report the abuse to the person in charge of the institution. (D.C. Code Section 4-1321.02(a) & (b)).

Under the statute, any other person not specifically listed, may also report child abuse or suspected child abuse to either the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia or the Child and Family Services Agency. (D.C. Code Section 4-1321.02 (D.C. Code Section 4-1321.02 (c)).

The statute applies to physical abuse, mental abuse, sexual abuse or neglect of a child. (D.C. Code Section 4-1301.02; See also D.C. Code 16-2301(23)).

The District of Columbia child abuse statutes can be found under Title 4 (Public Care Systems, Chapter 13 Child Abuse and Neglect, Subchapter 1 Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, Part A Reporting Abuse and Neglect, Sections 4-1301-.01 through 4-1301.09a.  To access the specific sections summarized above in the District of Columbia Code online, including any relevant definitions, follow:

https://code.dccouncil.us/dc/council/code/

The web page for the Metropolitan Police Department:

http://mpdc.dc.gov/

Contact information for the Metropolitan Police Department can be found at:

http://mpdc.dc.gov/

The website for the District of Columbia or the Child and Family Services Agency, which provides general information and links to resources on spotting child abuse, is:

http://cfsa.dc.gov/

The D.C. CFSA (https://cfsa.dc.gov/service/report-child-abuse-and-neglect) takes reports of child abuse and neglect 24 hours a day, seven days a week at:

1-202-671-SAFE
1-202-671-7233

Under Florida law, any person who knows of or has reasonable cause to suspect that a child is being abused, neglected, or abandoned is required to report such abuse to the Department of Children and Family Services immediately by calling the toll-free department’s central abuse hotline (Section 39.101) or through electronic reporting.  (Section 39.201(1)(a)).  Only certain types of professionals are required to give their names during the reporting process (including doctors, mental health professionals, schoolteachers or administrators, social workers, and law enforcement officers). (Section 39.201(1)(b)(2)).  A person from the general public may make a report to the central abuse hotline anonymously, if choosing to do so.

If the abuse is at the hands of someone other than the parent, legal guardian, custodian, or family member of the child, the central abuse hotline must immediately electronically transfer such reports to the appropriate county sheriff’s office. (Section 39.201(1)(a)(1)(b)).

Reports involving juvenile sexual abuse or a child who has exhibited inappropriate sexual behavior shall be made to the central abuse hotline.  Any alleged incident of juvenile sexual abuse involving a child who is in the custody of, or protective supervision of the Department may be made in writing, through the statewide toll-free telephone number, or through electronic reporting. (Section 39.201(5)(a)(1)).

The central abuse hotline may not take a report of abuse if related to abuse that occurred outside of the state and alleged victim and perpetrator do not live in Florida, but instead must transfer the information to the appropriate state or country.  (Section 39.201(3)(a)(1)). If the child is currently being evaluated in a medical facility in this state, the central abuse hotline shall accept the report or call for investigation and shall transfer the information on the report or call to the appropriate state or county.  (Section 39.201(3)(a)(2)).  Abuse is defined as any willful or threatened act that results in physical, mental, or sexual abuse, injury or harm that causes or is likely to cause the child’s physical, mental, or emotional health to be significantly impaired. (Section 39.01)).  Abandonment and Neglect are also defined by this statute.

To access the specific sections summarized above in the official Florida Code online, including any relevant definitions, follow:

http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0000-0099/0039/Sections/0039.201.html

http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0000-0099/0039/Sections/0039.01.html

http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?mode=View%20Statutes&SubMenu=1&App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=39.101&URL=0000-0099/0039/Sections/0039.101.html

 For valuable information about reporting abuse online, the abuse hotline, definitions of abuse, how to report abuse, information for mandatory reporters, links to the statutes, and other resources and information on child abuse, follow any of the following links to the Florida Department of Children and Family Services web site:

http://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/abuse-hotline
https://reportabuse.dcf.state.fl.us/
https://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/abuse-hotline/report/index.shtml
https://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/abuse-hotline/frequently-asked-questions.shtml
https://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/abuse-hotline/resources.shtml
https://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/abuse-hotline/training.shtml

Florida Abuse Hotline:
1-800-962-2873
TTY: 1-800-955-8771

Report Online

Under Georgia law, certain individuals, and professionals, including doctors, physician assistants and other health care professionals and employees, mental health professionals, schoolteachers and administrators, counselors, child welfare employees, clergy, child service organization personnel, and law enforcement personnel are mandated reporters and are required to report or cause a report to be made when they have reasonable cause to believe that suspected child abuse has occurred.  Section 19-7-5 defines “Child Service Personnel” as persons employed by or volunteering at a business, organization, whether public, private, for profit, not for profit, or voluntary, that provides care, treatment, education, training, supervision, coaching, counseling, recreational programs, or shelter to children.

If a mandated reporter is a required to report suspected child abuse because such person attends to a child pursuant to such person’s duties as an employee or volunteer at a hospital, school, agency, or facility, such person shall notify any person in charge and such person in charge shall report or cause a report to be made. Any persons other than those specified above who has reasonable cause to believe that suspected child abuse has occurred, may make a report, or cause a report of child abuse to be made. Suspected child abuse, which is required to be reported in accordance with this statute, can be made by oral report by telephone or a written report by electronic submission or facsimile and shall be made immediately, but in no case later than 24 hours from the time there is reasonable cause to believe that the suspected child abuse has occurred.  Electronic or facsimile submission shall be made to the Division of Family and Children Services of the Department of Human Services.  Oral reports shall be followed by a written report, if requested to the  to the Department of Human Services Division of Family and Children Services or where no such department exists, to an appropriate police authority or district attorney, and such report shall be provided to military law enforcement, if applicable.

Child abuse is defined as physical injury or death caused by a parent, guardian, legal custodian, or other person responsible for the care of such child by other than accidental means; provided, however, that physical forms of discipline may be used as long as there is no physical injury to the child.  Child abuse also includes neglect, emotional abuse, sexual abuse or sexual exploitation of the child, prenatal abuse of a child by a parent, an act or failure to act that presents an imminent risk of harm to the child’s physical, mental, or emotional health, and trafficking a child for labor servitude.  Sexual abuse includes consensual sex acts between minors if any individual is less than 14 years of age.  It does not include consensual sex acts when the sex acts are between a minor and an adult who is not more than four years older than the minor.

The mandatory reporting statute is found in Title 19 (Domestic Relations), Chapter 7 (Parent and Child Relationship Generally), Article 1 (General Provisions), Section 19-7-5. To access the entire Georgia Code on Child Abuse, follow:

http://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/2010/title-19/chapter-7/article-1/19-7-5/

Links to the specific sections summarized above, including definitions, in the online version of the Georgia Code online[1], are available as follows:

http://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/2010/title-19/chapter-7/article-1/19-7-5/

The Georgia Department of Human Services Division of Family and Children Services website has information on reporting child abuse in Georgia:

Child Abuse & Neglect | Division of Family & Children Services | Georgia Department of Human Services

County listing of contact information for local Department of Human Services Division of Family & Children Services:

https://dfcs.georgia.gov/locations

Georgia Abuse Hotline: 1-855-422-4453

[1].  Please note that the online version of the Georgia Code may not reflect the most current changes in Georgia law and should not be relied upon.

Under Hawaii law, any person (including doctors or other health care professionals and employees, employees or officers of public or private schools, employees of public or private agencies providing social, medical or financial assistance, employees of any law enforcement agency, commercial film and photographic print or image processors, commercial computer technicians, members of the clergy, day care or child care providers and employees of any public or private agency providing recreational sports or activities) in their professional capacity who knows of or has reasonable cause to suspect child abuse or neglect or suspects such abuse or neglect is about to occur is required to immediately report such information orally to the Department of Human Services, Social Services Division or to the police.  Any person, not otherwise required to report pursuant to section 350-1.1, who becomes aware of facts or circumstances, which cause that person to have reason to believe that child abuse or neglect has occurred or that there exists a substantial risk that child abuse or neglect may occur in the reasonably foreseeable future, may immediately report the matter orally to the Department or to the police department.

Abuse is defined as acts or omissions which have resulted in the physical or psychological health or welfare of the child, including physical abuse, mental abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect.

The Hawaii Law is found Division 1 (Government), Title 20 (Social Services), Chapter 350 (Child Abuse), Sections 350-1 through 350-7.  Links to the specific sections summarized above, including definitions, in the [1] version of the Code online[2], are available as follows:

http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/histatutes/1/20/350/350-1

http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/histatutes/1/20/350/350-1.1

https://codes.findlaw.com/hi/division-1-government/hi-rev-st-sect-350-1-3.html

Below is a link to the Hawaii Department of Human Services Social Services Division website, which is responsible for protecting children and adults from abuse:

http://humanservices.hawaii.gov/ssd/home/child-welfare-services/

The link above also provides a Handbook manual from the department of social services on reporting child abuse:

Child Abuse Reporting Hotline:
808-832-5300 (Oahu) or
1-888-380-3088 (Hawaii Island, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, & Kauai)

[1] Please note any unofficial sources may not reflect the most current changes in Hawaii law and should not be relied upon.

[2] Please note that the online version on the Hawaii Statutes may not reflect the most current changes in Hawaii law and should not be relied upon.

Under Idaho law, certain individuals and professionals (including doctors and other health care professionals and employees, social workers, teachers, coroners, and day care personnel) or any other person with knowledge of abuse or reason to believe a child is being abused or neglected, are required to report such information within 24 hours to the Department of Health and Welfare or a law enforcement agency (city police, prosecuting attorney, state law enforcement or the sheriff of any county). The Department shall investigate if they know or has reason to know that an adult in the home has been convicted of lewd and lascivious conduct or felony injury to a child in the past or if that child has been removed from the home for circumstances that resulted in a conviction for such claims.

Abuse is defined to include any act or omission resulting in physical injury or death that is not accidental and sexual abuse or conduct with the child.

The Idaho Law can be found under Title 16 (Juvenile Proceedings), Chapter 16 (Child Protective Act); Sections 16-601 through 16-1647.  To access the specific sections summarized above in the Idaho Code online, including any relevant definitions, follow:

https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title16/T16CH16/SECT16-1605/

https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title16/T16CH16/SECT16-1602/

For more information, visit the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare website at:

http://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/Children/AbuseNeglect/tabid/74/Default.aspx

Use the following link to find contact information for your local department of health and welfare child protection office:

http://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/Children/AbuseNeglect/ChildProtectionContactPhoneNumbers/tabid/475/Default.aspx

If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, you should call your local child protection office at the above link, or you should call the Idaho CareLine:

Idaho CareLine:
Statewide: 1-855-552-KIDS (5437)

Under Illinois law, certain individuals (including doctors, registered nurses, and other health care professionals and employees, substance abuse treatment personnel, education personnel, school personnel and administrators, social workers, domestic violence program personnel, counselors and other mental health professionals, law enforcement officers, day care or child care employees, probation officers and animal control officers, recreation or athletic program or facility personnel, funeral home director and embalmer, member of the clergy,  among many others) are required to report, immediately, any reasonable suspicion of child abuse known to them in their professional capacities by telephone or in person to the Department of Children and Family Services.  The Illinois Statute provides for mandated reporter training for mandatory reporters.  (325 ILCS 5/4(j)).

In addition to a mandated reporter, any other person in their individual or professional capacity may make a report of any known or suspected child abuse or neglect to the Department of Children and Family Services. (325 ILCS 5/4(f)).  All reports of suspected child abuse or neglect shall be made immediately by telephone to the central register or in person or by telephone to the nearest Department office. (325 ILCS 5/7)).  Any person who knowingly transmits a false child abuse report to the Department is guilty of a Class 4 Felony.

A child shall not be considered neglected or abused solely because the child is not attending school in accordance with the requirements of the School Code. (325 ILCS 5/3).

Abuse is defined by the statute as inflicting physical injury or death upon a child, creating a substantial risk of physical injury or death for a child, or allowing or committing any sex offense against a child, torturing a child, or exploiting a child. (325 ILCS 5/3).

The Illinois Law is found under Chapter 325 (Children), Sections 5/1 through 5/11.9.  The link to the entire mandatory reporting act in the official Illinois Code online is:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1460&ChapterID=32

Links to the specific sections summarized above, including definitions, in the version of the Code online[1], are available as follows:

http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/ilstatutes/325/5/4

http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/ilstatutes/325/5/3

http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/ilstatutes/325/5/7

For important information on child abuse, neglect and the Illinois reporting laws, see the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services at:

https://www2.illinois.gov/dcfs/Pages/default.aspx

Illinois Child Abuse Hotline:
1-800-25-ABUSE
(1-800-252-2873)

[1] Please note that the online version of the Illinois statutes may not reflect the most current changes in Illinois law and should not be relied upon.

Under Indiana law, any individual who has reason to believe that a child has been the victim of child abuse or neglect is required to immediately make an oral or written report of such abuse to the Department of Child Services or to a local law enforcement agency.

Abuse is defined by Indiana Law as a child (i) with a serious impairment or serious endangerment of the child’s physical or mental condition due to the inability, refusal, or neglect of the child’s parent, guardian or custodian to supply necessary food, clothing, shelter, medical care, education or supervision; (ii) with an endangerment of the physical or mental health of the child as a result of injury by the act or omission of the child’s parent, guardian, or custodian and the child is in need of care, treatment or rehabilitation which is not provided; (iii) who is a victim of the offenses of (a) Assisted Suicide, (b) Battery, (c) Domestic Battery, (d) Aggravated Battery, (e) Strangulation, (f) Female Genital Mutilation or (g) Neglect of a Dependent; (iv) a child that is a victim of a sex offense; (v) who is the victim of human or sexual trafficking and in need of care, treatment or rehabilitation; (vi) who is permitted to participate in an obscene performance; (vii) who is permitted to commit a prohibited sex offense; (viii) who is a missing child; (ix) who has a disability and is deprived of nutrition, or necessary medical or surgical intervention; (x) with (a) fetal alcohol syndrome, (b) neonatal abstinence syndrome, or (c) having any amount of a controlled substance, a legend drug, or metabolite of a controlled substance in its body and in need of care, treatment or rehabilitation; or (xi) with an injury, abnormal physical or psychological development, neonatal intoxication or withdraw, or substantial risk of a life threatening condition as a result of the child’s mother’s use of alcohol, a controlled substance, or a legend drug during pregnancy and the child is in need of care, treatment, or rehabilitation.  (See section 31-9-2-14 referencing sections 31-34-1-1 through 31-34-1-5 and 31-34-1-8 through 31-34-1-11) The Indiana Department of Child Services is required to make a written report not later than 48 hours after receipt of the oral or written report required by individuals under the statute.  (31-33-7-4(a)).  In the case of a missing child, the Department is required to make a written report within 24 hours of receipt of report of child abuse.  (31-33-7-4(b)).  Any person who knowingly fails to make a report required by the statute, commits a Class B misdemeanor.

The link to the latest version of the entire mandatory reporting act in the Indiana Code online is not available online:

The Indiana Law is found under Article 33 Juvenile Law, Chapter 1- through 27 specifically Chapter 5 (Duty to Report Child Abuse or Neglect), Sections 31-33-5-1 and 31-33-5-5.  The entirety of the Indiana Child Abuse Law is found at Sections 31-33-1-1 through 31-33-27-6.  Links to the specific sections summarized above, including definitions of the Indiana Code online[1], are available as follows:

Indiana Code Title 31, Article 33 (2021) – Juvenile Law: Reporting and Investigation of Child Abuse and Neglect :: 2021 Indiana Code :: US Codes and Statutes :: US Law :: Justia (click on desired chapter and section).

For more information on the Indiana reporting statute and the Indiana Child Abuse Hotline, please refer to the Indiana Child Services website:

http://www.in.gov/dcs/2971.htm

Indiana Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline:
1-800-800-5556

[1] Please note the current online version of the Indiana Statutes may not reflect the most recent changes to Indiana Law and should not be relied upon.

Under Iowa law, certain individuals in their professional capacities (including social workers, employees of health care facilities, mental health professionals, school employees, employees of substance abuse programs, foster care facility employees, police officers and others) are required to report any known or suspected child abuse within twenty-four (24) hours to the Department of Human Services orally by telephone (Section 232.70 1. and 2.).  If the person making the report has reason to believe that immediate protection for the child is advisable, that person shall also make an oral report to an appropriate law enforcement agency.  (Section 232.70 3)).  [1]  Any other person not specifically listed by this statute may make a report to the Department of Human Services regarding known or suspected child abuse.  (Section 232.69 2)).

A person required to make a report other than a physician, shall complete two hours of training relating to the identification and reporting of child abuse within six months of initial employment.  (Section 232.69 3. b.)).  If the person completes at least one hour of additional child abuse identification and reporting training prior to the three-year expiration period, the person shall be deemed in compliance.

The statute defines child abuse as any non-accidental physical injury, any mental injury, the commission of a sexual offense with or to a child, and the failure to provide food, clothing, shelter, or medical treatment to a child.  (Section 232.682.a.)).

The mandatory child abuse reporting act is located in Title VI (Human Services), Subtitle 5 (Juveniles), Chapter 232 (Juvenile Justice), Sections 232.67 through 232.77.  Links to the specific sections of the Iowa Code online are not available.  The link to the entire Iowa Code online is:

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/publications/search/document?fq=id:1245083&pdid=1233038&q=232.68#232.68 (scroll to desired section)

Links to the specific sections summarized above, including definitions, in the version of the Code online[2], are available as follows:

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/DOCS/IACODE/2001/232/68.html

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/DOCS/IACODE/2001/232/69.html

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/DOCS/IACODE/2001/232/70.html

For important information about the Iowa child abuse reporting laws and how to make a report, see the Iowa Department of Human Services website:

http://dhs.iowa.gov/child-abuse

Child Abuse Hotline:
1-800-362-2178

[1] The Iowa Child Abuse Law was amended by 2022 Acts, Ch. 1098, which deleted paragraph 4 of Section 232.70 (“Reporting Procedure”) that required a written report of child abuse within 48 hours after the making of an oral report.

[2] Please note that the online version of the Iowa Code may not reflect the most current changes to Iowa Law and should not be relied upon.

Under Kansas law, certain listed individuals (including doctors and other licensed health care professionals, licensed mental health care professionals, teachers and school administrators and employees, firefighters and other emergency services employees, any employee of an organization providing social services, and others[1]) are required to report, promptly, any known or suspected child abuse or neglect to the Kansas Department for Children and Families or to a law enforcement agency by telephone or in person and must be followed by a written report, if requested.(Section 38-2223 (a)(1) and (b)).  Any other person not specifically mentioned may make a report of any known or suspected child abuse. Willful and knowing failure to make a report as required by the Kansas Statute is a class B misdemeanor.

Child abuse is defined as harm to a child as a result of physical, mental, emotional, or sexual abuse or neglect.

The Kansas Law is found under Chapter 38 (Minors), Article 22 (Revised Kansas Code for Child Care of Children), Sections 38-2201 through 38-2291. To access the specific sections summarized above in the Kansas Code online, including any relevant definitions, follow:

http://kslegislature.org/li/b2015_16/statute/038_000_0000_chapter/038_022_0000_article/038_022_0002_section/038_022_0002_k/

http://kslegislature.org/li_2016/b2015_16/statute/038_000_0000_chapter/038_022_0000

article/038_022_0023_section/038_022_0023_k/

To access valuable information on the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services, including a PDF booklet on reporting guidelines and information for parents, visit the department’s website at:

http://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/rs/Pages/default.aspx

https://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/PPS/Pages/KIPS/KIPSWebIntake.aspx

To report child or adult abuse or neglect in Kansas call:
1-800-922-5330

[1] Kansas HB 2567 enacted on May 16, 2022, with an effective date of July 1, 2022 expanded the definition of mandatory reporter to include any officer, board member or employee of the Kansas State High School Activities Association.

Under Kentucky law, any person who knows of or has reasonable cause to suspect child abuse is required to immediately report such abuse by telephone, in person or in writing, to a law enforcement agency or to a commonwealth or county attorney or other designated representatives.  (620.030(1)). Certain professionals have the additional duty to file a written report within forty-eight (48) hours. (620.030(2)). Any person who knows or has reasonable cause to believe that a child is a victim of human trafficking or female genital mutilation shall immediately cause an oral or written report to be made by telephone or otherwise to a local law enforcement agency or the Department of Kentucky State Police.

Under Kentucky Law an abused or neglected child is defined as a child whose health or welfare is harmed or threatened with harm when his parent, guardian or a person in authority or other person exercising custodial control or supervision of the child (i) inflicts or allows to be inflicted physical or emotional injury; (ii) creates or allows to be created a risk of physical or emotional injury by other than accidental means; (iii) engages in pattern of conduct that renders the parent incapable of caring for the immediate and ongoing needs of the child; (iv) continuously or repeatedly fails or refuses to provide parental care and protection; (v) commits or allows to be created a risk of sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, or prostitution; (vi) abandons or exploits the child; (vii) fails to provide the child with essential care and protection; or (viii) commits or allows female genital mutilation (see section 600.020).

The Kentucky Law is found under Title LI (Unified Juvenile Code), Chapter 620 (Dependency, Neglect and Abuse), Sections 620.010 through 620.365. The link to the entire Kentucky Code online is:

https://codes.findlaw.com/ky/  (click on Title LI followed by Section 620)

Kentucky Revised Statutes – Chapter 620

For more information, including links to county specific contact information and frequently asked questions about reporting abuse see the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services website:

https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dcbs

Child Protection Hot Line:
1-877-KYSAFE1
or
1-800-752-6200 (Toll Free)

Under Louisiana law, certain individuals are required by law to report any known or suspected child abuse by utilizing the child abuse prevention hotline.  Required reporters include any individual who provides health care or mental health services, any clergy, any teacher or other school employee, school coaches (including but not limited to public technical or vocational school, community college, college, or university coaches and coaches of intramural or interscholastic athletics), teaching or child care providers, law enforcement officers, commercial film developers, court appointed child advocates, and  organizational  or youth activity providers.  (Article 603(17)(a) through (k)). The statute defines “organizational or youth activity provider” as any person who provides organized activities for children, including administrators, employees, or volunteers of any day camp, summer camp, youth center or youth recreation programs, or any other organization that provides organized activities for children.  (Article 603(17)(j)).  “Teaching or Child Care Provider” is defined as any person who provides or assists in teaching, training, and supervision of a child, including, but not limited to any individual who provides such services to a child in a voluntary or professional capacity.  (Article 603(17)(j)).  Reports of child abuse or neglect or that such was a contributing factor in a child’s death, where the abuser is believed to be a parent or caretaker, a person who maintains an interpersonal dating or engagement relationship with the parent or caretaker, or a person living in the same residence with the parent or caretaker as a spouse whether married or not, shall be made immediately to the department.

The type of abuse reported determines which agency is the proper authority to which report should be made.  Reports of child abuse or neglect or that such was a contributing factor in a child’s death, where the abuser is believed to be a parent or caretaker, a person who maintains an interpersonal dating or engagement relationship with the parent or caretaker, or a person living in the same residence with the parent or caretaker as a spouse whether married or not, shall be made immediately to the department. (Article 610A (1)).   Reports in which the abuse or neglect, is believed to be perpetrated by someone other than a caretaker, a person who maintains an interpersonal dating or engagement relationship with the parent or caretaker, or a person living in the same residence with the parent or caretaker as a spouse whether married or not, and the caretaker is not believed to have any responsibility for the abuse or neglect shall be made immediately to a local or state law enforcement agency. Dual reporting to both the department and the local or state law enforcement agency is permitted. If a report involves alleged sex trafficking, all mandatory reporters shall report to the department regardless of whether there is alleged parental or caretaker culpability. (Article 610A (1)).

Persons not specifically listed by statute may report any known or suspected child abuse (“permitted reporter” –see Article 609 B)).  A permitted reporter shall make a report through the designated state child protection reporting hotline telephone number or in person at any child welfare office.  (Article 610A (1)).  A mandatory reporter shall make a report through the designated state child protection reporting hotline telephone number, via the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services Mandated Reporter Portal online or in person at any child welfare office.  Permitted reporters shall make a report through the designated state child protection reporting hotline telephone number or in person at any child welfare office. (Article 610 A.)).  Mandatory reporters must also provide a written report of the abuse within five days.  Each mandatory reporter may obtain mandatory reporter training as he believes to be necessary.  (Article 609 A(3)(a), (b), & (c)). Any entity may provide its employee, volunteers, or educational attendees with equivalent training.  (Article 609 A(3)(d)).

Child abuse is defined as any act which seriously endangers the physical, mental, emotional or health and safety of a child, including exploitation and sexual abuse or activity (see Chapter 1, Preliminary Provisions, Article 603 Definitions).

The Louisiana Law is found under Title 6 (Child in need of care), Chapter 5 (Child Abuse Reporting and Neglect), Articles 609 through 616.2. To access the specific sections summarized above in the Louisiana Code online, including any relevant definitions, follow:

https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?p=y&d=73195

https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=73201

https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=73202

To access more information on reporting child abuse in Louisiana, including forms for mandatory reporters and other valuable information on spotting child abuse, see the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services website at:

http://dss.louisiana.gov/index.cfm?md=pagebuilder&tmp=home&pid=109

To Report Child Abuse in Louisiana 24 Hours a day, 365 Days a Year, Call:
1-855-4LA-KIDS
1-855-452-5437

Under Maine law, certain individuals (including doctors and other health care professionals and employees, teachers and school officials, youth camp counselors or administrators, social workers, court appointed advocates, mental health professionals, commercial film developers, law enforcement officers, code enforcement officials, clergy, sexual or domestic assault counselors, and school bus drivers, among others) are required to immediately report known or suspected child abuse to the Department of Child and Family Services by telephone (and must be followed by a written report, if requested by the Department – Section 4012) or to the district attorney if the person causing the abuse is not the child’s parent or legal guardian.  (Section 411-A).  An employer may not take any action to prevent or discourage an employee from making a report. Any person not specifically listed by statute may report known or suspected abuse to the department of child and family services or the local district attorney.  Medical professionals, hospitals, hospital staff, school personnel and law enforcement personnel may submit reports electronically.  (Section 4012 1.)).

Child abuse or neglect is defined as a threat to the child’s health or welfare by physical, mental, emotional, or sexual abuse, exploitation, or deprivation of the child’s essential needs (see Section 4002). Abuse or neglect includes truancy and also includes a threat to the child’s health or welfare caused by child sex trafficking regardless of whether or not the person is responsible for the child.

The Maine Law is found under Title 22 (Health and Welfare), Subtitle 3 (Income Supplementation), Part 3 (Children), Chapter 1071 (Child and Family Services and Child Protection Act), Sections 4001 through 4002 and 4011 through 4019.  To access the specific sections summarized above in the Maine Code online, including any relevant definitions, follow:

http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/22/title22sec4002.html

http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/22/title22sec4011-A.html

http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/22/title22sec4011-B.html

http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/22/title22sec4012.html

http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/22/title22ch1071sec0.html

For valuable information on reporting abuse in Maine, including links for mandatory reporters, links to Maine’s statutes, and training information, as well as tips on how to spot abuse, go to Maine’s Department of Child and Family Services website at:

http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/cw/reporting_abuse.shtml

https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/mandated-reporters.shtml

To report Child Abuse in Maine 24 hours a day, call:
1-800-452-1999

Under Maryland law, certain individuals (including health care practitioners, police officers, educators, and human service workers) that know of or have reason to believe, in their professional capacities, that a child is being abused or neglected, are required to immediately report the abuse to a local Department of Social Services or the appropriate law enforcement agency. (Section 5-704)).  This report is to be made to the local Department of Social Services or local police agency as soon as possible by telephone or direct communication and followed up by a written report within forty-eight (48) hours.  Any other person not listed in this statute that knows of or has cause to believe child abuse is occurring is required to report the abuse to the local Department of Social Services or local law enforcement agency either orally or in writing.  (Section 5-705)).

A person who is required to provide notice of suspected abuse or neglect of a child or make a written report of suspected abuse or neglect of a child under §5-704 who knowingly fails to report suspected abuse or neglect will be subject to a complaint before the appropriate licensing board, law enforcement agency, or board of education, agency, or licensed facility at which an educator or human services worker is employed.  (Section 5-705.4).  This only applies to failure to report child abuse or neglect that occurs during the time the child is a minor.  On conviction, a person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine not exceeding $10,000.00 or imprisonment not exceeding 3 years. (Article – Criminal Law Section 3-602.2.  Section 5-716 requires mandatory reporter training, which the Department shall post online and shall be free.

Child abuse is defined to include the physical or mental injury, which harms the child’s welfare or puts a child at substantial risk of being harmed or sexual abuse of a child. The statute also defines neglect.  (Section 5-701)).

The mandatory child abuse reporting act is located in Family Law, Title 5 (Children), Subtitle 7 (Child Abuse and Neglect), Sections 5-701 through 5-716. The link to Sections 5-701 through 5-715 for the l Maryland Code online is:

https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2021/family-law/title-5/subtitle-7/

Links to the specific sections summarized above, including definitions, in the online version of the Maryland Code[1]  are available as follows (Section 5-716 is not available online at this time):

https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2021/family-law/title-5/subtitle-7/section-5-701/

https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2021/family-law/title-5/subtitle-7/section-5-704/

https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2021/family-law/title-5/subtitle-7/section-5-705/

https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2021/family-law/title-5/subtitle-7/section-5-705-1/

https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2021/family-law/title-5/subtitle-7/section-5-705-4/

https://casetext.com/statute/code-of-maryland/article-family-law/title-5-children/subtitle-7-child-abuse-and-neglect/section-5-716-free-online-course-on-the-identification-prevention-and-reporting-of-child-abuse

https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2021/criminal-law/title-3/subtitle-6/section-3-602-2/

To access more specific information on reporting child abuse in Maryland and tools for spotting child abuse, see the Maryland Department of Social Services website:

http://dhr.maryland.gov/child-protective-services/

http://dhs.maryland.gov/child-protective-services/reporting-suspected-child-abuse-or-neglect/

To report child abuse toll free in Maryland, call:
1-800-332-6347

Link for contact information for local Maryland DHS Offices:

https://dhs.maryland.gov/child-protective-services/reporting-suspected-child-abuse-or-neglect/local-offices/

[1] Please note that the online version of the Maryland Code may not reflect the most current changes in Maryland law and should not be relied upon.

Under Massachusetts law, certain individuals in their professional capacities (including doctors and other health care professionals and employees, drug and alcohol counselors, mental health professionals, teachers and school administrators, child care or day care employees, probation officers, social workers, clergy, foster parents, firefighters,  law enforcement officers, and others – See definition of “Mandated Reporter” Chapter 119, Section 21) are required to report known or suspected child abuse by telephone or in person to the Department of Children and Families within forty-eight (48) hours, and are thereafter required to file a written report with the Department of Children and Families.  (Chapter 119, Section 51A)).  A mandated reporter may additionally file a report with local law enforcement or a child advocate about the abuse. Hospitals are required to inform local district attorneys, law enforcement agencies and the department with physical evidence of abuse.  Any other person not specified by this statute may report known or suspected abuse of a child to the department of children and families. No person shall be liable in any civil or criminal action for filing a report under this section if the report was made in good faith, was not frivolous and the person did not cause the abuse or neglect.

Child abuse is defined to include physical injury, emotional injury, neglect, or sexual abuse.

To access the entire chapter of the relevant Massachusetts Code online, follow:

https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXVII/Chapter119

The Massachusetts Child Abuse Statutes may be found at Part 1 (Administration of Government), Title XVII (Public Welfare), Chapter 119 (Protection and Care of Children, and Proceedings against Them, Sections 1-89 of the Annotated Laws of Massachusetts).  Links to the specific sections summarized above, including definitions, of the Massachusetts Code online, are available as follows:

General Law – Part I, Title XVII, Chapter 119, Section 21 (malegislature.gov)

https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXVII/Chapter119/Section51A

To access more information on reporting of abuse, warning signs, and information for mandatory reporters, definitions, and an overview of all relevant issues, see the Department of Health and Human Services website:

http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dcf/child-abuse-neglect/

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/warning-signs-of-child-abuse-and-neglect
http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dcf/child-abuse-neglect/reporting-abuse.html

Child-at-Risk Hotline:
1-800-792-5200

Under Michigan law, certain professionals (including doctors and health care professionals, mental health professionals and counselors, social workers, teachers and school administrators, law enforcement officers, clergy, childcare providers, and others[1]) who have reasonable cause to suspect child abuse or neglect are required to immediately make an oral report of the abuse (telephone or if available, through the online reporting system) to the Department Human Services.  The report must be followed by a written report within seventy-two (72) hours.  In addition to those persons required to report child abuse or neglect, any person, including a child who has reasonable cause to suspect child abuse or neglect may report the matter to the department or a law enforcement agency. (Section 722.624)).

Child abuse includes harm or threatened harm to a child health or welfare that occurs through non-accidental physical injury, mental injury, sexual abuse, exploitation, or maltreatment.

The Michigan Child Protection Law can be found under Chapter 722 (Children), Sections 722.621 through 722.638.  To access the specific sections summarized above in the Michigan Code online, including any relevant definitions, follow:

http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(cxbnpe45erw5npvpwfiosq45))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=mcl-722-622

http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(cxbnpe45erw5npvpwfiosq45))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=mcl-722-623

Michigan Legislature – Section 722.624

For links to useful information for mandatory reporters from the Michigan Department of Human Services website, follow:

http://www.michigan.gov/dhs/0,1607,7-124-5452_7119_44443—,00.html

https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-73971_7119_50648—,00.html

For information on how to contact a local Department Human Services office, see the county map provided by Department Human Services at:

http://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339–96747–,00.html

To report a suspected case of child abuse, call the Michigan Child Abuse Hotline at 1-855-444-3911

[1] Michigan H.B. 4880 enacted March 23, 2022, with an effective date of June 21, 2022, added “physical therapist, physical therapist assistant, occupational therapist, and athletic trainer” to the list of mandatory reporters of Section 722.623(1)(a).

Under Minnesota law, a person who knows or has reason to believe a child is being maltreated, or has been maltreated within the preceding three years, shall immediately report the information to the local welfare agency, agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report, police department, county sheriff, tribal social services agency, or tribal police department.  Mandatory reporters include professional delegates engaged in the practice of the healing arts, social services, hospital administration, psychological or psychiatric treatment, childcare education, correctional supervision, probation services, law enforcement or persons employed as a member of the clergy (Section 260E.06).  An employee of a “Private or public youth recreational program” shall immediately report information to the appropriate agency if there is a reason to believe or it is known that another employee or supervisor is abusing or has abused a child within the preceding three years or if a child discloses to the employee or supervisor that the child is being abused or has been abused within the preceding three years.  (See Section 260E.055).  Section 260E.055 defines “Abuse” as egregious harm, physical abuse, sexual abuse, substantial child endangerment or threatened injury.  Any other person may voluntarily report known or suspected maltreatment to the appropriate agency.  “Private or Public youth recreation program” includes but is not limited to day camps or programs involving athletics, theater, arts, religious education, outdoor education, youth empowerment or socialization.  The local welfare agency must offer training to persons required to make a report under Sections 260E.06 or 260E.055.  An immediate oral report by those persons required to report maltreatment pursuant to Sections 260E.06 or 260E.055, shall be followed by a written report within 72 hours exclusive of holidays and weekends.

The statute defines maltreatment to include egregious harm, neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, substantial child endangerment, threatened injury, mental injury and maltreatment of a child in a facility.       The Minnesota Law also defines “Egregious Harm, Mental Injury, Neglect, Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, and Threatened Injury”.  (Section 260E.03)).

The Minnesota Child Abuse Law may be found under Chapter 260E (Maltreatment of Minors Act Reorganization), Sections 260E.01 through 260E.38.  To access the entire Minnesota Maltreatment of Minors Act, follow:

https://casetext.com/statute/minnesota-statutes/public-welfare-and-related-activities/chapter-260e-maltreatment-of-minors-act-reorganization

To report child abuse in Minnesota, call the local service office or the local police.  Below is a link to the contact information for all social services offices by county:

https://mn.gov/dhs/people-we-serve/children-and-families/services/child-protection/

https://mn.gov/dhs/people-we-serve/children-and-families/services/child-protection/contact-us/

Mississippi law requires certain professionals, including attorneys, physicians, nurses, psychologists, ministers, public or private school employees or any other persons having reasonable cause to suspect that a child is a neglected child, abused child, or that a child has been sexually abused, or a victim of commercial sexual exploitation or human trafficking to make an oral report of abuse immediately by telephone or otherwise and followed by a written report as soon as possible thereafter by written report to the Department of Child Protection Services. All reports to the Department of Child Protection Services must contain the names and addresses of the child and the child’s parents or other persons responsible for the child’s care, if known, the child’s age, the nature and extent of the child’s injuries, including any evidence of previous injuries and any other information that might be helpful in establishing the cause of the injury and the identity of the perpetrator. Anyone who willfully violates this provision is liable for a fine and/or up to one year in jail (Section 43-21-353).

Notwithstanding the confidentiality of the reporter’s identity, the Department of Child Protection Services may disclose a reporter’s identity to the appropriate law enforcement agency or prosecutor if the department has reason to suspect the reporter has made a fraudulent report, and the Department of Child Protection Services must provide to the subject of the alleged fraudulent written notification of the disclosure.

Mississippi has a mandatory reporting statute for sexual crimes against minors. The statute defines “mandatory reporter” as: “any of the following individuals performing their occupational duties: health care practitioner, clergy member, teaching or childcare provider, law enforcement officer, or commercial image processor” and requires mandatory reporters to “make a report if it would be reasonable for the mandatory reporter to suspect that a sex crime against a minor has occurred.”  (Section 97-5-51).  Reports must be made to the law enforcement agency where the sex crime occurred. Failure to report is a misdemeanor offense. The Mississippi Statute also defines “sex crime” and each of the mandatory reporters in more detail.

Under the Mississippi statute “abused child” means a child whose parent, guardian or custodian or any person responsible for his care or support, whether legally obligated to do so or not, has caused or allowed to be caused, upon the child, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, emotional abuse, mental injury, non-accidental physical injury, or other maltreatment. However, physical discipline, including spanking, performed on a child by a parent, guardian or custodian in a reasonable manner shall not be deemed abuse under this section (43-21-105).

The Mississippi Child Abuse Laws are located throughout the Mississippi Code.  Links to the specific sections of the Mississippi Code can be viewed online as follows:

Mississippi Code § 97-5-51 (2020) – Mandatory reporting of sex crimes against minors; definitions; procedure; report contents; forensic samples; penalties :: 2020 Mississippi Code :: US Codes and Statutes :: US Law :: Justia

Mississippi Code § 43-21-105 (2020) – Definitions:: 2020 Mississippi Code :: US Codes and Statutes :: US Law :: Justia

Mississippi Code § 43-21-353 (2020) – Duty to inform state agencies and officials; duty to inform individual about whom report has been made of specific allegations :: 2020 Mississippi Code :: US Codes and Statutes :: US Law :: Justia

For more information about reporting child abuse in Mississippi, how to spot abuse, and additional resources for mandatory reporters, see the Mississippi Department of Social Services Website, Children’s section, and the following links.

Child Abuse – Mississippi State Department of Health (ms.gov)

Child Abuse Hotline:
1-800-222-8000

Under Missouri law, certain individuals (including doctors and health care professionals, mental health care professionals, social workers, child care providers, probation or parole officers, teachers and school officials, clergy, law enforcement officers and others such as a volunteer or personnel of a community service program that offers support services for families in crisis to assist in the delegation of any powers regarding the care and custody of a child by a properly executed power of attorney) are required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect to the Division of Children within the Department of Social Services. (Section 210.115)). In addition to the mandatory reporters identified in the statute, any other person may report known or suspected abuse to the Missouri Division of Children by telephone or otherwise (Section 210.130).  Reports are to be made by telephone or in person (Section 210.130).

Child abuse is defined to include any physical injury, sexual abuse, or emotional abuse inflicted on a child other than by accidental means by those responsible for the child’s care, custody and control and includes sex trafficking.   (Section 210.110)

The Missouri Law is found under Title 12 (Public Health and Welfare), Chapter 210 (General Provisions for Child Protection), Sections 210.001 through 210.188.  To access the specific sections summarized above in the Missouri Code online, including any relevant definitions, follow:

Missouri Revisor of Statutes – Revised Statutes of Missouri, RSMo Section 210.110

https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=210.115&bid=49904

https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=210.130&bid=11307

To access the entire child abuse reporting chapter in the Missouri Code online (Sections 210.001 through 210.188), follow:

https://codes.findlaw.com/mo/title-xii-public-health-and-welfare/mo-rev-st-210-001.html

For more information about reporting child abuse in Missouri, how to spot abuse, and additional resources for mandatory reporters, see the Missouri Department of Social Services Website, Children’s section, and the following link:

http://dss.mo.gov/cd/can.htm

Children’s Division Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline:
1-800-392-3738

Under Montana law, certain listed professionals (including doctors and health care professionals, teachers and school officials, social workers, court appointed advocates, law enforcement officers, clergy and foster parents, an employee of the Department of Public Health and Human Services while in conduct of the employee’s duties) are required to report any known or suspected child abuse they receive knowledge of in their professional or official capacities to the Department of Public Health and Human Services promptly.  Any other person not specifically listed may make a report of known or suspected child abuse to the Department of Public Health and Human Services (Section 41-3-201).

Child abuse is defined as actual or substantial risk of physical or psychological harm to a child and includes abandonment, omissions and exposing child to criminal activity (Section 4-3-102)

To access the entire Montana Child Abuse Code and the specific sections summarized above, including any relevant definitions in the Montana Code online, follow:

https://leg.mt.gov/bills/mca/title_0410/chapter_0030/part_0010/sections_index.html

https://leg.mt.gov/bills/mca/title_0410/chapter_0030/part_0020/section_0010/0410-0030-0020-0010.html

For more information on the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services and child abuse, visit the department’s website at:

https://dphhs.mt.gov/CFSD/index

To report child abuse or neglect call toll-free:
1-866-820-5437

Under Nebraska law, certain individuals (including doctors and health care professionals, teachers and school employees, social workers, and the inspector general) and any other person who knows of or suspects child abuse or neglect are required to immediately report the abuse or neglect to a law enforcement agency or to the Department of Health and Human Services on the child abuse hotline.  Any oral report is required to be followed by a written report of the abuse or neglect.  (Section 28-711).

Child abuse or neglect is defined as knowingly, intentionally, or negligently causing or permitting a minor child to be placed in a situation that endangers his/her life or physical or mental health; cruelly confined/punished; deprived of necessary food, clothing, shelter or care; left unattended in motor vehicle if such minor child is six years of age or younger; sexually abused; or sexually exploited.  (Section 28-710).

The Nebraska Law is found under Chapter 28 (Crimes and Punishments), Article 7 (Offenses Involving Family Relation), Sections 28-701 through 28-739.  To access the entire child abuse reporting chapter in the Nebraska Code online, sections 28-710 through 28-739 follow:

http://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/browse-statutes.php

To access the specific sections summarized above in the official Nebraska Code online, including any relevant definitions, follow:

http://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=28-710

http://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=28-711

For more information on reporting child abuse and spotting abuse and neglect in Nebraska, visit the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services website at:

http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/default.aspx

https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Child-Abuse.aspx

Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline:
1-800-652-1999

Under Nevada law, certain professionals (including doctors and health care professionals, mental health care professionals, social workers, clergy, child care providers, any person employed by a public school and any person who serves as a volunteer at such a school, and any adult employed by an entity that provides organized activities for children) who discover or suspect child abuse or neglect in their professional capacities, are required to report the abuse/neglect to a child welfare agency or a law enforcement agency within twenty-four hours. Any other person not specifically named may make a report of any known or suspected child abuse/neglect. (Section 432B.220).  A report made orally is to be reduced to writing by the person receiving it as soon as reasonably practicable.  (Section 432B.230)

Abuse or neglect of a child means physical or mental injury of a non-accidental nature; sexual abuse or exploitation; or negligent or maltreatment whereby a child’s health or welfare is harmed or threatened with harm (Section 432B.020).

The Nevada Law is found under Title 38 (Public Welfare), Chapter 432B (Protection of Children from Abuse and Neglect), Sections 432B.010 through 432B.178 and 432B.220 through 432B.322. To access the entire child abuse reporting chapter in the Nevada Code online, sections 220 through 432B follow:

To access the specific sections summarized above in the official Nevada Code online, including any relevant definitions, follow:

https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-432B.html#NRS432BSec020

http://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-432B.html#NRS432BSec220

http://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-432B.html#NRS432BSec230

For more information on reporting child abuse and the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services Division of Children and Families, follow:

http://dcfs.nv.gov/

To report child abuse or neglect see the following link:

https://dcfs.nv.gov/Programs/CWS/CWS-PhoneDirectory/

Under New Hampshire law, certain professionals (including doctors and health care professionals, teachers and school officials, childcare providers, mental health care professionals, law enforcement officers and clergy) and any other person who knows of or suspects child abuse or neglect are required to immediately report by telephone or in person to the Department of Health and Human Services and to follow the oral report with a written report within forty-eight (48) hours.

The statute defines an “Abused Child” to mean any child who has been intentionally physically injured, physically injured by other than accidental means, psychologically injured, or sexually abused (see Section 169-C:3)

To access the entire child abuse chapter of the New Hampshire Code online, follow:

http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/NHTOC/NHTOC-XII-169-C.htm

The New Hampshire Law is found under Title XII (Public Safety and Welfare), Chapter 169 (Child Protection Act), Sections 169-C:3 and 169-C:29 through 169-C:39.  To access the specific sections summarized above in the official New Hampshire Code online, including any relevant definitions, follow:

http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XII/169-C/169-C-29.htm

http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XII/169-C/169-C-30.htm

http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XII/169-C/169-C-3.htm

For more information on reporting abuse and neglect in New Hampshire, visit the Department of Health and Human Services website at:

http://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dcyf/cps/stop.htm

To find contact information for the Department of Health and Human Services to report abuse, follow:

http://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dcyf/cps/contact.htm

To report child abuse toll-free, call:
1-800-894-5533 (in state only)
or
(603) 271-6562 (out of state)

Under New Jersey law, any person that knows of or suspects child abuse is required to immediately report such abuse to the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency by telephone or otherwise.

The statute defines an “Abused Child” as a child under the age of 18 whose parent, guardian or custodian inflicts or allows be inflicted upon a child physical injury by other than accidental means, creates or allows to be created a substantial ongoing risk of physical injury by other than accidental means, commits or allows to be committed act of sexual abuse, or whose physical, mental, or emotional condition has been impaired or is in danger of becoming impaired due to neglect.  . Child abuse under the New Jersey Statutes also includes willful abandonment.  (Section 9:6-8.9(a)through(f); See also Section 9:6-8.21 definition of “Abused or neglected child”)).

The New Jersey Law is found under Title 9 (Children-Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts), Chapter 6 (Abuse, abandonment, and neglect of a child), Sections 9:6-1 through 9:6-8.114. To access specific sections of the New Jersey Code online, follow:

http://law.justia.com/codes/new-jersey/2013/title-9/section-9-6-8.9/

 http://law.justia.com/codes/new-jersey/2013/title-9/section-9-6-8.10/

 https://law.justia.com/codes/new-jersey/2013/title-9/section-9-6-8.21

For more information on reporting child abuse in New Jersey and tips on spotting abuse, visit the Department of Children and Families website at:

http://www.state.nj.us/dcf/reporting/how/index.html

To report child abuse, call the New Jersey Child Abuse Hotline at:
1-877 NJ ABUSE (1-877-652-2873)

Under New Mexico law, every person, including certain listed professionals, who knows of, or reasonably suspects, child abuse or neglect is required to immediately make a report of that abuse to a local law enforcement agency, the Department of Children, Youth and Families or to a tribal law enforcement or social services agency. (Section 32A-4-3).

Child abuse is defined to include physical, mental, psychological, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, or neglect.  Physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, and sexual exploitation are defined terms under the statute.  (Section 32A-4-2).

The mandatory child abuse reporting act is located in Chapter 32A (Children’s Code), Subtitle 4 (Child Abuse and Neglect), Sections 32A-4-1 through 32A-4-34.  The link to the entire New Mexico Code online is:

https://law.justia.com/codes/new-mexico/

Links to the specific sections summarized above, in the online version of the New Mexico Code online, [1] are available as follows:

http://law.justia.com/codes/new-mexico/2013/chapter-32a/article-4/section-32a-4-2/

http://law.justia.com/codes/new-mexico/2013/chapter-32a/article-4/section-32a-4-3/

For more information about reporting child abuse and tips on spotting abuse, visit:

http://cyfd.org/child-abuse-neglect

To report abuse or neglect, call:
1-855-333-SAFE
Cell phones: #SAFE (#7233)

[1] Please note that the online version of the New Mexico statutes may not reflect the most current changes in New Mexico law and should not be relied upon.

Under New York law, certain professionals (including doctors and health care professionals, social workers, mental health professionals, teachers and school officials, summer or day camp employees, child care providers, foster care parents or workers, substance abuse counselors, law enforcement officers, district attorneys, employee of a publicly-funded emergency shelter for families with children, health home care management agency employees, who are expected to have regular and substantial contact with children, full or part-time compensated school employee required to hold a temporary coaching license or professional coaching certificate that know of or suspect child abuse in their professional capacities are required to report such abuse (Section 413).  Reports of suspected child abuse shall be made immediately by telephone, fax, or in writing.  Any oral reports are to be followed by a written report within forty-eight hours.  Oral reports are to be made to the statewide central register of child abuse and maltreatment or to the local child protective services agency.  Written reports are to be made, in most cases, to the local child protective services agency (Section 415).  Any other person not specifically listed may make a report of any known or suspected abuse (Section 414).

An “Abused Child” means a child under eighteen years of age and who is defined as an abused child by the New York State Family Court Act.  A “Maltreated Child includes a child under the age of eighteen defined as a neglected child by Family Court Act or a child who has serious physical injury inflicted upon him or her by other than accidental means.  (Section 412 – see also Section 1012(e) of the Family Court Act for definition of “Abused Child).

The New York State Law is found under Title 6 (Child Protective Services) Sections 411through 429 B. To access the New York Protective Service Law and the specific sections summarized above in the New York Code online, including any relevant definitions, follow:

https://www.nycourts.gov/lawlibraries/nycodesstatutes.shtml
https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/SOS/A6T6
https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/SOS/412
https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/FCT/1012
https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/SOS/413
https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/SOS/414
https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/SOS/415

The New York Office of Children and Family Services website provides an overview of the New York reporting law, frequently asked questions and warning signs of abuse, definitions, links and information for mandatory reporters at the links below:

http://ocfs.ny.gov/main/cps/
http://ocfs.ny.gov/main/cps/critical.asp
http://ocfs.ny.gov/main/cps/signs.asp
http://ocfs.ny.gov/ohrd/ccg/
http://ocfs.ny.gov/main/prevention/faqs.asp

Call statewide toll free at:
1-800-342-3720
TDD/TTY: 1-800-638-5163

If you believe that a child is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local police department.

Under North Carolina law, any person who knows of or has reason to suspect child abuse is required to report that abuse to the Director of the Department of Social Services in the county where the child lives or can be found, the report can be made orally, by telephone, in person or in writing.

An “Abused Juvenile”  is defined to be any juvenile less than 18 years of age who is found to be a minor victim of human trafficking or whose parent, guardian, custodian, or caretaker inflicts or allows to be inflicted serious physical injury by other than accidental means, creates or allows to be created a risk of serious physical injury, uses or allows to be used cruel or grossly inappropriate procedures or uses cruel or grossly inappropriate devices to modify behavior, commits, permits, or encourages the violation of specified laws, creates or allows to be created serious emotional damage, or encourages, directs, or approves of delinquent acts involving moral turpitude committed by the juvenile.  (See 7B-101(1)).

The North Carolina Law is found under Chapter 7B (Juvenile Code), Articles 1-14 (Abuse, Neglect and Dependency), Sections 7B-101 and 7B-300 through 7B-319.  To access the specific sections summarized above in the North Carolina Code online, including any relevant definitions, follow:

http://www.ncleg.net/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_7B/GS_7B-301.html

http://www.ncleg.net/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_7B/GS_7B-101.html

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services website provides an overview of the North Carolina reporting law at the link below:

https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/child-welfare-services/child-protective-services/about-child-abuse-and

To report abuse, call your local social services office.  To find contact information for your local office by county, follow:

https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/local-dss-directory

Under North Dakota law, certain professionals (including doctors and health care professionals, mental health professionals, tier 1,2, 3 or 4 mental health professionals, teachers and school officials, social workers, child care providers, foster parents, law enforcement officers, or clergy, among others) are required to report any known or suspected child abuse or neglect immediately to the Department of Health and Human Services[1] (orally or in writing – see Section 50-25.1-04) if that information becomes known in their professional or official capacity (Section 50-25.1-03).  Any other person not specifically listed may report known or suspected abuse or neglect. Any oral report must be followed by a written report within forty-eight (48) hours, if requested (Section 50-25.1-04)

An abused child under North Dakota Law means and individual under the age of eighteen who is suffering from abuse as defined in Section 14-09-22 caused by a person responsible for the child’s welfare and includes a sexually abuse child (Section 50-25.1-02).  Section 14-09-22 provides that a parent, adult family or household member, guardian or other custodian of any child who willfully inflicts or allows to be inflicted upon the child mental or bodily injury, substantial bodily injury, or serious bodily injury as defined by section 12.1-01-04 is guilty of class C felony.  A neglected child is also defined in Section 50-25.1-02 (see paragraph 19).

The mandatory child abuse reporting act is located in Title 50 (Public Welfare), Chapter 50-25.1 (Child Abuse and Neglect), Sections 5-25.1-01 through 5-25.1-19. Links to the North Dakota Code and the specific sections of the  North Dakota Code summarized above  are  available online.  The links to Title 50 of the North Dakota Code online are:

http://www.legis.nd.gov/cencode/t50.html

https://codes.findlaw.com/nd/title-50-public-welfare/  (click on Chapter 50-25.1)

North Dakota Century Code Title 14. Domestic Relations and Persons § 14-09-22 | FindLaw

The North Dakota Department of Human Services website contains additional information on reporting and spotting child abuse:

http://www.nd.gov/dhs/services/childfamily/cps/#reporting

http://www.nd.gov/dhs/services/childfamily/cps/#mandating

To find contact information for all local offices of the North Dakota Department of Human Services in order to report child abuse, follow:

http://www.nd.gov/dhs/services/childfamily/cps/#mandating

To report child abuse in North Dakota, call:
1-833-958-3500

[1] North Dakota HB 1247 was enacted on April 27, 2021, with an effective date of September 1, 2022 defining “Department” as the department of health and human services or its designee.

Under Ohio law, certain professionals (including doctors and health care professionals, mental health care professionals, child care provider, day camp providers, school teachers or school officials and superintendent or regional administrator employed by the department of youth services, an employee of a qualified organization, a host family and a foster caregiver) acting in their professional capacities who know of or suspect child abuse or neglect are required to immediately report that knowledge or suspicion to a Public Children Services Agency or a local law enforcement agency. Any other person not specifically listed may report any known or suspected abuse.  The results of any available reports of examinations, tests, or procedures shall be included in a report and shall be provided to the Public Children Services Agency.  If the person making the report is a peace officer, the officer shall make it to the public children services agency in the county in which the child resides or in which the abuse or neglect is occurring or has occurred.  (Section 2151.421).

Abuse is defined to include physical, mental, and sexual abuse, and endangerment (Section 2151.031). Neglected child is defined in Section 2151.03

The Ohio Law is found under Title 21, Chapter 2151 (Juvenile Court), Sections 2151.03 and 2151.031 and 2151.421. To access the entire child abuse act of the Ohio Code online, follow:

http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/2151.421

For more information of reporting child abuse in Ohio, visit the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services website:

https://jfs.ohio.gov/ocf/childprotectiveservices.stm

To report child abuse in Ohio, contact the county Public Children’s Service Agency. Contact information for each agency by county is provided here:

http://www.pcsao.org/membership/agency-directory

https://jfs.ohio.gov/ocf/reportchildabuseandneglect.stm

1-855-OH-Child (1-855-642-4453)

Under Oklahoma law, every person having reason to believe that a child under the age of eighteen years is a victim of child abuse or neglect is required to report the information to the Department of Human Services via the child abuse hotline.  Every teacher of any child who suspects abuse or neglect shall report the matter immediately to the Department of Human Services.  Every school employee having reason to believe that a student under the age of 18 years or 18 years and older is a victim of abuse or neglect shall report the matter immediately to the Department of Human Services and local law enforcement.  Local law enforcement shall keep confidential and redact any information identifying the reporting school employee unless ordered by the court.  No employer, supervisor, administrator, governing body or entity shall interfere with the reporting obligations.  Any employer, supervisor, administrator, governing body or entity who discharges, discriminates or retaliates against the employee or other person shall be liable for damages, cost and attorney fees (See Section 1-2-201).  Nothing contained in Section 1-2-201 shall be construed to exempt or prohibit any person from reporting any suspected child abuse or neglect pursuant to subsection B.

Abuse is defined to include physical abuse, mental abuse, sexual abuse, and exploitation (See Section 1-1-105).

The Oklahoma Law is found under Title 10A (Children and Juvenile Code), Article 1 (Oklahoma Children’s Code), Chapters 1 and 2 (General Provisions and Reporting and Investigations, Sections 1-1-101 through 1-1-105 and 1-2-101 through 1-2-111.To access PDFs of the child abuse act sections of the Oklahoma Code online, follow:

http://www.oklegislature.gov/osstatuestitle.html

To access the specific sections summarized above in the Oklahoma Code online, including any relevant definitions, follow (click on “This point in Index” to access other sections):

http://www.oscn.net/applications/oscn/DeliverDocument.asp?CiteID=455989

For more information, visit the Oklahoma Department of Humans Services website at:

http://www.okdhs.org/Pages/default.aspx

OKDHS Abuse and Neglect Hotline:
1-800-522-3511
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Under Oregon law, statutorily defined public or private officials (Section 419B.005)  including, but not limited to doctors and health care professionals, school employees, law enforcement officers, clergy, social workers, mental health professionals, firefighters, court appointed advocates, child care providers, employees or public or private organizations providing child related activities like scout camps, day camps, summer camps and religious centers, as well as coaches, assistants and trainers of amateur, semiprofessional or professional athlete (if compensated and if the athlete is a child), personal support worker and home care worker with knowledge of or suspicion of child abuse are required to immediately make an oral report of such abuse to the Department of Human Services by telephone or otherwise.  (See Sections 419B.010 and 419B.015 Duty of officials to report and Report Form respectively)). The duty to report is personal to the public or private official alone and exists regardless of whether that official is employed by a volunteer of, or a representative or whether the associated entity or organization has its own procedures for reporting abuse internally.

Abuse is defined to include any physical injury to a child cause by other than accidental means, any mental injury to a child which shall include observable and substantial impairment of the child’s mental or psychological ability to function, sexual abuse, exploitation and neglect (See Section 419B.005).

The Oregon Law is found under Title 34 (Human Services: Juvenile Code; Corrections), Chapter 419B (Reporting of Child Abuse), Sections 419B.005 through 419B.055.  To access the entire child abuse chapter in the Oregon Code online, follow:

https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors419B.html (scroll to desired section or “Ctrl F” to search).

For valuable information on reporting abuse in Oregon and tools to determine what constitutes abuse, visit the Department of Human Services website at:

http://www.oregon.gov/dhs/children/child-abuse/Pages/Data-Publications.aspx

 http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/CHILDREN/CHILD-ABUSE/Pages/index.aspx

To report child abuse or neglect, follow the link to contact

information for your local office:

http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/CHILDREN/CHILD-ABUSE/Pages/Reporting-Numbers.aspx

Or Call: 1-855 503 SAFE (7233)

Under Pennsylvania law, certain professionals (including doctors and health care professionals, clergy, school employees and officials, social workers, child care providers, law enforcement officials, an attorney, emergency medical services provider certified by the Department of Health, an employee of a public library, an independent contractor, a foster parent and any such person who has direct or regular contact with a child through any program, activity or service sponsored by a school, for-profit organization or religious or other not-for-profit organization) who discover child abuse or suspect child abuse in the course of their professional responsibilities are required to report immediately such abuse by telephone to the Department of Public Welfare or to the county children and youth social service agency, and must be followed by a written report within forty-eight (48) hours.  (23 Pa. C.S.§6313).  Any person may make an oral or written report, if that person has reasonable cause to suspect child abuse.  (23 Pa. C.S.§6312).

Abuse means attempting to cause or intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causing bodily injury, serious bodily injury, rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, sexual assault, statutory sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault or incest with or without a deadly weapon, placing another in reasonable fear of imminent serious bodily injury, the infliction of false imprisonment pursuant to 18 Pa. C.S. §2903 (relating to false imprisonment), and physically or sexually abusing minor children.  (23 Pa. C.S.§6312).

The Pennsylvania Law is found under Title 23, (Domestic Relations), Part VII (Abuse of Family), Chapter 61 (Protection from Abuse), Subchapters A and B, Sections 6301 through 6306 and 6311 through 6320. To access the specific sections summarized above in the official Pennsylvania Code online, including any relevant definitions, follow:

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/23/00.063.011.000..HTM

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/23/00.063.003.000..HTM

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/23/00.063.012.000..HTM

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/23/00.063.013.000..HTM

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/23/00.061.002.000..HTM

Section 6102 – Title 23 – DOMESTIC RELATIONS (state.pa.us)

For more information of reporting child abuse in Pennsylvania, follow:

http://www.keepkidssafe.pa.gov/about/signs/index.htm

Contact information for each local children and youth agency can be found at:

http://www.pcya.org/Pages/ContactYourAgency.aspx

To report child abuse in Pennsylvania, call the Child Line Hotline at:
1-800-932-0313
TDD: 1-866-872-1677

Under Rhode Island law, any person who has reasonable cause to know or suspects sexual abuse of a child in an educational program, or that a child has died as a result of child abuse or neglect, or that that a child has been deprived of nutrition or medical treatment is required to report such abuse within twenty-four (24) hours to the Department of Children, Youth and Families.  (Sections 40-11-3.3, 40-11-3.1, and 4-11-3).

An abused or neglected child means a child whose physical or mental health or welfare is harmed or threatened with harm, when a parent or other person responsible of his or her welfare, (i) inflicts upon the child physical or mental injury; (ii) creates or allows to be created a substantial risk of physical or mental injury;  (iii) commits or allows to be committed an act of sexual abuse against the child; (iv) fails to supply the child with adequate food, clothing, shelter, or medical care; (v) fails to provide the child with a minimum degree of care or proper supervision or guardianship; (vi) abandons or deserts the child; (vii) sexually exploits the child in that the person allows, permits or encourages the child to engage in prostitution; (viii) sexually exploits the child in that the person allows, permits, encourages, or engages in the obscene or pornographic photographing, filming, or depiction of the child in a setting that, taken as a whole, suggests to the average person that the child is about to engage in, or has engaged in any sexual act; (ix) commits, or allows to be committed, any sexual offense against the child; or (x) commits or allows to be committed, against any child an act involving sexual penetration or sexual contact if the child is under fifteen (15) years of age (Section 40-11-2).

The Rhode Island Law is found under Title 40 (Human Services), Chapter 11 (Abused and Neglected Children), Sections 40-11-1 through 40-11-30. To access the entire child abuse chapter in the Rhode Island Code online, follow:

http://webserver.rilegislature.gov//Statutes/TITLE40/40-11/INDEX.htm

To access the specific sections summarized above in the official Rhode Island Code online, including any relevant definitions, follow:

http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE40/40-11/40-11-2.htm

http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE40/40-11/40-11-3.htm

http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE40/40-11/40-11-3.1.htm

http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE40/40-11/40-11-3.3.htm

For more information about reporting child abuse in Rhode Island, follow:

http://www.dcyf.ri.gov/

https://dcyf.ri.gov/contact-us/report-child-abuse-or-neglect

Child Abuse Hotline:
1 -800-RI-CHILD
1-800-742-4453

Under South Carolina law, certain professionals (including doctors and health care professionals, mental health professionals, clergy, school teachers or administrators, child care providers, foster families and law enforcement officers, clerical or non-clerical religious counselors who charge for services) are required to report any known or suspected child abuse they encounter in their professional capacities orally to the county Department of Social Services or to a law enforcement agency.  Any other person may and is encouraged to report known or suspected child abuse (See Section 63-7-310).

“Child abuse or neglect” or “harm” occurs when a parent, guardian or other person responsible for the child’s welfare inflicts or allows to be inflicted upon the child physical or mental injury or engages in acts or omissions which present a substantial risk of physical or mental injury to the child, including injuries sustained as a result of excessive corporal punishment, commits or allows to be committed against the child a sexual offense as defined by the laws of this State, fails to supply the child with adequate food, clothing, shelter, or education, abandons the child, or commits or allows to be committed against the child female genital mutilation (See Section 63-7-20[1]).

The South Carolina Law is found under Title 63 (South Carolina’s Children’s Code), Chapter 7 (Child Protection and Permanency), Article 1 (General Provisions), Section 63-7-20 and Article 3 (Identification, Investigation, and Intervention), Sub-article, Sections 63-7-310 through 63-7-450.  To access the entire child abuse chapter in the South Carolina Code online, follow (scroll to desired section or search for section using “Ctrl F”):

Code of Laws – Title 63 – Chapter 7 – Child Protection And Permanency (scstatehouse.gov)

For more information on the South Carolina law and reporting in South Carolina, follow:

https://dss.sc.gov/abuseneglect/report-abuse-and-neglect

For contact information of all county social services offices by county, follow:

https://dss.sc.gov/contact/

TO REPORT ABUSE OR NEGLECT
1-888-CARE4US OR 1-888-227-3487

[1] S.C. S.B.243 enacted on June 17, 2022, with the same effective date, added the definition of “near fatality” to Section 63-7-20 as paragraph (31).

Under South Dakota law, certain professionals (including doctors and health care professionals, mental health care professionals, social workers, parole officers, law enforcement officers, teachers and school officials, employees of a child advocacy organization or child welfare organization, emergency medical technicians and paramedics) who know of or suspect child abuse or neglect are required to report that information immediately by telephone or orally otherwise to the state attorney for the county where the child resides, to the Department of Social Services or to local law enforcement (See Sections 26-8A-3 and 26-8A-8).

An abused or neglected child means a child: whose parent, guardian or custodian has abandoned the child or has subjected the child to mistreatment or abuse; who lacks proper parental care through the actions or omissions of the child’s parent, guardian or custodian; whose environment is injurious to the child’s welfare; whose parent, guardian or custodian fails or refuses to provide proper or necessary subsistence, supervision, education, medical care, or any other care necessary for the child’s health, guidance, or well-being; who is homeless, without proper care, or not domiciled with the child’s parent, guardian or custodian through no fault of the child’s parent, guardian or custodian; or who is threatened with substantial harm; who has sustained emotional harm or mental injury as indicated by an injury to the child’s intellectual or psychological capacity evidenced by an observable and substantial impairment in the child’s ability to function within the child’s normal range of performance and behavior, with due regard to the child’s culture; who is subject to sexual abuse, sexual molestation, or sexual exploitation as defined in § 22-22-24.3, by the child’s parent, guardian or custodian, or any other person responsible for the child’s care; who was subject to prenatal exposure of abusive use of alcohol, marijuana, or any controlled drug or substance not lawfully prescribed by a practitioner as authorized by chapters 22-42 and 34-20B; or whose parent, guardian or custodian knowingly exposes the child to an environment that is being used for the manufacture, use, or distribution of methamphetamines or any other unlawfully manufactured controlled drug or substance (See Section 26-8A-2).

The South Dakota Child Abuse Law is found in Title 26 (Minors), Chapter 26, Sections 26-8A-1 through 26-8A-37 dealing with Protection of Children from Abuse or Neglect.  To access the entire child abuse chapter in the South Dakota Code online, follow:

http://sdlegislature.gov/statutes/Codified_Laws/

Links to the specific sections summarized above, including definitions, of the South Dakota Code online are available as follows:

https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/Codified_Laws/2050729 (click previous or next buttons for desired sections)

For contact information for the local departments of social services, follow:

https://dss.sd.gov/behavioralhealth/

https://dss.sd.gov/childprotection/default.aspx

TO REPORT CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT
1-877-244-0864

There are 2 mandatory child abuse reporting statutes under Tennessee law. In accordance with section 37-1-403 (Reporting of brutality, abuse, neglect, or child sexual abuse-Notification to parents of abuse on school grounds or under school supervision-Confidentiality) any person who has knowledge of or suspects child abuse is required to report that information to a judge having juvenile jurisdiction of the child, the Department of Children’s Services, or the sheriff or the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality where the child resides immediately, by telephone or otherwise. In accordance with section 37-1-605 (Reports of known child sexual abuse – Investigations- Notification to parents of abuse on school grounds or while under school supervision-Confidentiality of records), any person who knows or has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been sexually abused, shall immediately make a report the Department of Children’s Service, to a judge having juvenile jurisdiction of the child, or the sheriff or the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality where the child resides.

The statutes define abuse to include physical or mental injury and sexual abuse.  For a complete definition of child sex abuse, see sections 37-1-403 and 37-1-602.

The statutes outline the procedures necessary to take when one is reporting the known or alleged child abuse.

The mandatory reporting statute is found in Title 37 (Juveniles), Chapter 1 (Juvenile Courts and Proceedings), Part 4- Mandatory Child Abuse Reports and Part 6- Child Sexual Abuse, Section 37-1-401 through 37-1-415 and 37-1-601 through 37-1-616.

Links to the specific sections summarized above, including definitions, in the online version of the Tennessee Code online,[1] are available as follows:

http://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/2010/title-37/chapter-1/part-4/ (click on desired section).

https://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/2010/title-37/chapter-1/part-6/37-1-602/

http://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/2010/title-37/chapter-1/part-6/37-1-605/

Use the following link to find more information on Tennessee’s reporting guidelines and statutes:

https://www.tn.gov/dcs/program-areas/child-safety/reporting/child-abuse.html

To report abuse or neglect call:
1-877-237-0004

[1] Please note that the available links to specific sections of the Tennessee Code online above may not reflect the most current changes in Tennessee law and should not be relied upon.

Under Texas law, any person having reasonable cause to believe that a child is being abused or neglected is required to immediately  report the abuse to any local law enforcement agency, the Department of Family and Protective Services, the regulatory agency for the facility where the abuse occurred, or the court designated agency responsible for the protection of children, unless the abuse is by the parent/caretaker in which case the abuse should be reported to the Department of Family and Protective Services.  Certain professionals are required to report abuse within forty-eight (48) hours.  Those having information of child abuse occurring on a person who is now an adult has a duty to report said abuse if it will protect another person from suffering similar abuse. (See Sections 261.101 and 261.103).

Abuse is defined to include physical injury, mental injury, sexual injury, exposure to controlled substances, exploitation, or trafficking of the child.  See Section 261.001 for the complete definition of abuse and neglect.

The Texas Law is found at Title 5 (Parent-Child Relationship), Subtitle E (Protection of Children, Chapter 261 (Investigation of Report of Child Abuse) Sections 261.001 through 261.111.  Links to the specific sections summarized above, including definitions, of the Texas Code online are available as follows:

http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/FA/htm/FA.261.htm#261.101

http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/FA/htm/FA.261.htm#261.001

http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/FA/htm/FA.261.htm

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services website offers more information on reporting child abuse in Texas as well as frequently asked questions about reporting child abuse in Texas at the links below:

http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Contact_Us/report_abuse.asp

http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Contact_Us/report_abuse_faqs.asp

There are two ways to report abuse to the Department:

Call the Abuse Hotline at:
1-800-252-5400 

Or by going online at the Texas Abuse Hotline site at: https://www.txabusehotline.org/Login/Default.aspx

Under Utah law, any person, including licensed doctors, nurses and other licensed persons of the medical practice arts, who has reason to believe that a child is or has been the subject of child abuse or neglect is required to immediately report that information to a law enforcement officer, a law enforcement agency, or an office of the division of child and family services.  The report notification requirement does not apply to a member of the clergy, with regard to any confession made to the member of the clergy while functioning in the ministerial capacity of the member of the clergy and without consent of the individual making the confession if the perpetrator made the confession directly to the member of the clergy and the member is the clergy is under canon law or church doctrine or practice, bound to maintain the confidentiality of that confession (See Section 80-2-602[1]).  A person who orally reports under Sections 80-2-602, 80-2-603 (“Fetal alcohol syndrome or spectrum disorder and drug dependency reporting requirements)” or 80-2-604 (“Death of a child reporting requirements”) shall upon request of the division provide a written report within 48 hours of such request.  (Section 80-2-605).

Child abuse is defined as non-accidental harm of a child, threatened harm of a child, sexual exploitation, or sexual abuse. (See Title 80 (Utah Juvenile Code, Chapter 1 General Provisions, section 80-1-102 Juvenile Code Definitions for complete definition).

The Utah child abuse law is found at Title 80 (Juvenile Code), Chapter 2 (Child Welfare Services, Sections 80-1-102 and under Part 6 (“Child Abuse and Neglect Reports”) 80-2-601 through 80-2-611.  To access the entire child abuse reporting chapter of the Utah Code online, follow:

https://le.utah.gov/xcode/code.html

Links to the specific sections summarized above, including definitions, of the Utah Code online are available as follows:

https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title80/Chapter1/80-1-S102.html?v=C80-1-S102_2021051920210901

https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title80/Chapter2/80-2-S602.html?v=C80-2-S602_2022050420220901

https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title80/Chapter2/80-2-S606.html

For more information on the Utah law and reporting in Utah, visit the division of child services website at the link below:

http://dcfs.utah.gov/

Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline:
1-855-323-3237

[1] Utah HB 248, which was enacted on March 24, 2022, with an effective date of September 1, 2022, renumbered Section 62A-4a-403 to Section 80-2-602, renumbered Section 62A-4a-408 (“Written Reports”) to Section 80-2-606 and rewrote Section 80-1-102 (“Juvenile Code definitions”).

Under Vermont law, certain professionals (including doctors and health care professionals, mental health care professionals, childcare providers, school teachers and administrators, headmasters of private schools, student teachers, social workers, probation officers, law enforcement officers, clergy and camp counselors) who reasonably suspect child abuse or neglect, are required to report the abuse to the commissioner for children and families or his designee within twenty-four hours.  As used in Title 33, Section 4913(a) the word “camp” includes any residential or nonresidential recreational program.  (Title 33, Section 4913(b).    Any other concerned person not specifically listed as a mandatory reporter may make a report to the Commissioner for Children and Families or his designee orally or in writing. (Title 33, Sections 4913 and 4914).

The definition of “abused or neglected child” means a child whose physical health, psychological growth and development or welfare is harmed or is a child who is at substantial risk of harm by the acts or omissions of his or her parent or other person responsible for the child’s welfare.  An “abused or neglected child” also means a child who is sexually abused or at substantial risk of sexual abuse by any person. (Title 33, Section 4912).

The Vermont Law is found under Title 33 (Human Services, Part 3 (Programs and Services for Children and Youth), Chapter 49 (Child Welfare Services) Subchapters 1 and 2 (General Provisions and Reporting Abuse of Children) Sections 4901 through 4923.  To access the entire child abuse reporting chapter of the Vermont Code online, follow:

http://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/chapter/33/049

For more information about reporting child abuse in Vermont, the Vermont mandatory reporting law, and other useful information and tools on spotting abuse, visit the Department of Children and Families website at the links below:

http://dcf.vermont.gov/

Child Abuse Hotline:
1-800-649-5285

Under Virginia law, certain professionals (including licensed medical professionals and other health care professionals, social workers, probation officers, teachers or school administrators, child care providers, teacher employed in public or private school, kindergarten or child day program, mental health professionals, family-services specialist, law enforcement officers, mediators, court appointed advocates, athletic coaches, athletic directors or others over the age of 18 including employees or volunteers with public or private sports organizations, administrators and persons over the age of 18 employed by public or private day camps and youth centers or youth recreation programs) , are required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect immediately to the local department of social services in the city or county where the child resides or where the abuse is believed to be occurring by calling the child abuse hotline (See Section 63.2-1509[1]).  Any other person not specifically listed in the statute may make a report of known or suspected child abuse to the local Department of Social Services (See Section 63.2-1510).

Abuse is defined to include physical or mental injury, neglect, abandonment, and sexual abuse. The complete definition of an abused or neglected child is found under Section 63.2-100[2].

To access the entire child abuse reporting chapter of the Virginia Code online, follow:

https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode

The Virginia Law is found under Title 63.2 (Welfare –Social Services), Subtitles 1 and 2, Chapter 1 (General Provisions), Section 63.2-100 and Chapter 15 (Child Abuse and Neglect, Articles 1 and 2, Chapters Sections 63.2-100 and Sections 63.2 -1500 through 63.2-1513.  To access the specific sections summarized above in the Virginia Code online, follow:

https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title63.2/chapter15/section63.2-1509/

https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title63.2/chapter15/section63.2-1510/

https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title63.2/chapter15/section63.2-100/

For more information, visit the Virginia department of social services website at:

https://www.dss.virginia.gov/abuse/

https://www.dss.virginia.gov/family/cps/index.cgi

For a list of local departments follow:

http://www.dss.virginia.gov/localagency/

Report child abuse/neglect to Child Protective Services (CPS)
In Virginia: 1-804-786-8536
Out-of-state: 1-800-552-7096

[1] VA HB 751 enacted April 27, 2022, with an effective date of July 1, 2022, added paragraph 20 to Section 63.2-1509 to include any person who engages in the practice of behavior analysis, as defined in Section 54.1-2900.

[2] VA SB 63 enacted on April 5, 2022, with an effective date of July 1, 2022, amended Section 63.2-100 paragraph (7), adding additional language to the definition of “” Abused or Neglected Child,” which did not substantively change the definition.

Under Washington law, certain professionals (including doctors and health care professionals, social workers, law enforcement officers, child care providers, probation officers,  and administrators and academic or athletic department employees of public or private institutions of higher education, and others specifically identified in Section 26.044.030) having reasonable cause to believe that a child has suffered abuse or neglect are  required to report the abuse to a law enforcement agency, including military law enforcement, if appropriate  or to the Department of Social and Health Services.  When any person, in his or her official supervisory capacity with a nonprofit or for-profit organization, has reasonable cause to believe that a child has suffered abuse or neglect caused by a person over whom he or she regularly exercises supervisory authority, he or she shall report such incident to the proper law enforcement agency provided that the person alleged to have caused the abuse or neglect is employed by, contracted by, or volunteers with the organization and coaches, trains, educates or counsels a child or children or regularly has unsupervised access to a child or children as part of the employment contract or voluntary service.  The department shall make available on its public web site a downloadable and printable poster that includes the reporting requirements. The poster must be no smaller than eight and one half by eleven inches, be available in both English and Spanish, and organizations that include employees or volunteers subject to the foregoing reporting requirements must clearly display the poster, in a common area, containing information regarding who is a mandated reporter, standard of knowledge justifying a report, the definition of reportable crimes, where reports are to be made, contents of reports and appropriate timing.   Any other person not specifically listed may make a report of known or suspected child abuse to law enforcement of the Washington Department of Social Services (See Section 26.44.030) An immediate oral report must be made by telephone or otherwise to proper law enforcement or the department and, upon request, followed by a written report (See Section 26.44.040).

Abuse means sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, or injury of a child by any person under circumstances which cause harm to the child’s health, welfare, or safety; or the negligent treatment or maltreatment of a child by a person responsible for or providing care to the child. (See Section 26.44.020 (1)).

The Washington Law is found under Title 26 (“Domestic Relations”) Chapter 26.44 (“Abuse of Children”) Sections 26.44.010 through 26.44.901.  To access the entire child abuse reporting chapter of the Washington Code online, follow:

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=26.44

To access the specific sections summarized above in the Washington Code online, follow:

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=26.44.020
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=26.44.030
https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=26.44.040

For more information visit the Washington Department of Social Services website at the link below:

http://www.dshs.wa.gov/endharm.shtml

To report child abuse, call:
1-866-END-HARM (1-866-363-4276)

Under West Virginia law, certain professionals (including doctors and medical professionals, religious healers, mental health professionals, teachers and school personnel, social workers, child care providers, law enforcement officers, judges, youth camp administrators, employees, coaches, volunteers of an entity that provides organized youth activities and commercial film developers) who have reasonable cause to suspect that a child is  being neglected or abused shall immediately report the circumstances to the Department of Health and Human Resources within twenty-four (24) hours of the suspected neglect or abuse by a method established by the department. Any reports of sexual abuse or abuse resulting in serious injury must be made immediately to the State Police and any law enforcement agency having jurisdiction to investigate the complaint.  Any other person may make a report of child abuse or neglect if there is reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been abused or neglected. (Section 49-2-803).

Child abuse is defined as physical injury, mental injury, emotional injury, neglect, sexual abuse and exploitation.  The definition of child abuse may be found at section 49-1-201, which also provides a definition for neglect.

The West Virginia Law is found under Chapter 49 (Child Welfare), Article 1 (General Provisions and Part II Definitions, section 49-1-201, and Part VIII Reports of Children Suspected of Abuse sections 49-2-801 through 49-2-814.  To access the entire child abuse chapter in the West Virginia Code online, follow:

http://code.wvlegislature.gov/ (use search by Chapter, Article, and Section and use the previous and next button at the bottom of each to locate additional sections

For more information of reporting abuse in West Virginia, visit the Department of Health and Human Resources website at the following links:

http://www.wvdhhr.org/report.asp

https://dhhr.wv.gov/bcf/Pages/default.aspx

To find contact information for your local department of health and human resources, follow this link:

www.dhhr.wv.gov/bcf/Pages/default.aspx

To report child abuse in West Virginia, call:
Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline
1-800-352-6513

Under Wisconsin law, certain professionals (including doctors and health care professionals, mental health care professionals, social workers, schoolteachers and administrators, childcare providers, emergency medical responder and law enforcement officers) are required to immediately report known or suspected child abuse to the county Department of Children and Families, a welfare agency, or local sheriff by telephone or in person.  Any other person not specifically listed may make a report of any known or suspected child abuse.  (Section 48.981[1])

Child abuse is defined as physical injury, mental injury, emotional injury, sexual abuse, and exploitation (Section 48.02)

The Wisconsin Law is found under Chapter 48 (Children’s Code), Sections 48.02 and 48.981. To access the entire chapter of the Wisconsin Code online, follow:

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/48

To access this specific section of the official Wisconsin Code online, follow:

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/48/i/02

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/48/xxi/981

Child abuse should be reported to the local Department of Social/Human Service.  Below is a link to contact information by county:

https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/areaadmin/hsd-programs.htm

https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/reportabuse

If the abuse is violent in nature or currently happening, the link below provides information for reporting:

https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/cps/reportabuse

[1] Wisconsin SB 259 was enacted on April 2022 and becomes effective May 1, 2023, adding 20m “A genetic counselor” to the list of mandated reporters under Section 48.981(2)(a)).

Under Wyoming law, any person who knows of or has reasonable cause to suspect child abuse or neglect is required to immediately report that abuse to the child protective agency or to local law enforcement.  The fact a child, who is at least sixteen (16) years of age and is homeless does not, in of itself, constitute a sufficient basis for reporting neglect (Section 14-3-205).  Reports of child abuse or neglect or suspected child abuse or neglect are made to the local child protection agency or local law enforcement (Section 14-3-206).

Abuse is defined to include physical or mental injury or sexual abuse.  The statute also defines “neglect”.   (Section 14-3-202).

The Wyoming Law is found under Title 14 (Children, Chapter 3 (Protection), Article 2 (Child Protective Services). To access the entire child abuse chapter in the Wyoming Code online, follow:

https://www.wyoleg.gov/StateStatutes/StatutesDownload (click on Title 14 and scroll to appropriate section or “Ctrl F” to search for section).

Reports of child abuse should be made to local departments of child protective services.  Below is a link to contact information for each office:

https://dfs.wyo.gov/i-need-to-report/abuse-neglect-exploitation/

For more information on mandatory reporting of child abuse in Wyoming, visit the Department of Family services website at the link below:

https://dfs.wyo.gov/i-need-to-report/

Under Federal Law, certain individuals who learn of facts that give reason to suspect that a child is being abused or neglected are required to report the abuse or neglect to a local law enforcement agency or child protective services agency.  34 U.S.C.S. Section 20341 mandates certain persons to make reports of suspected child abuse. Specifically, 34 U.S.C.S. Section 20341(a) provides:

(1) Covered professionals. A person who, while engaged in a professional capacity or activity described in subsection (b) on Federal land or in a federally operated (or contracted) facility, learns of facts that give reason to suspect that a child has suffered an incident of child abuse, shall as soon as possible make a report of the suspected abuse to the agency designated under subsection (d) and to the agency or agencies provided for in subsection (e), if applicable.

(2) Covered individuals. A covered individual who learns of facts that give reason to suspect that a child has suffered an incident of child abuse, including sexual abuse, shall as soon as possible make a report of the suspected abuse to the agency designated by the Attorney General under subsection (d).

34 U.S.C.S. Section 20341(b) identifies persons engaged in specific professions and activities who are “covered professionals” and thus, mandatory reporters of child abuse such as physicians, psychologists, social workers, teachers, and others (see Section 20341(b) for a complete list).

A “covered individual” is defined by 34 U.S.C.S. Section 20341(c)(9) as;

An adult who —

(A) is authorized, by a national governing body, a member of a national governing body, or an amateur sports organization that participates in interstate or international amateur athletic competition, to interact with a minor or amateur athlete at an amateur sports organization facility or at any event sanctioned by a national governing body, a member of a national governing body, or such an amateur sports organization (see 220501(b) of title 36, United States Code for defined terms); or

(B) is an employee or representative of the United States Center for SafeSport.

The United States Baseball Federation, Inc. (“USA Baseball”) is the national governing body for the sport of baseball in the United States as certified by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee. Little League Baseball, Incorporated is a member of USA Baseball and thus, a member of a national governing body.  Accordingly, all employees, volunteers, and adults authorized by Little League to interact with children during Little League practices, games, tournaments, or other events is a mandatory reporter.

Child abuse is defined as physical or mental injury, sexual abuse or exploitation or negligent treatment of a child (the terms physical injury, mental injury, sexual abuse, exploitation, and negligent treatment are defined in the statute (see 34 U.S.C.S. Section 20341).  The report of child abuse shall be made as soon as possible, which is defined as  within a 24 hour period (see 34 U.S.C.S. Section 20341(c)(12)) and the report is to be made to the local law enforcement agency or local child protective services agency that has authority to investigate reports of child abuse or to protect child abuse victims in the jurisdiction in question as the agency designated by the Attorney General to which reports must be made (see 34 U.S.C.S. Section 20341(d) and 28 Code of Federal Regulations Section 81.2).  All individuals in occupations listed in 34 U.S.C.S. Section 20341subsection (b)(1) who work on Federal lands or are employed in federally operated (or contracted) facilities, and all covered individuals, shall receive periodic training in the obligation to report, as well as in the identification of abused and neglected children.  (34 U.S.C.S. Section 20341(h)).

Covered individuals who fail to report suspected abuse commit a federal misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined not more than $100,000.00 or imprisoned not more than one (1) year or both. 18 U.S.C.S. § 2258.

“Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act” is Federal Law found under Title 34 (Crime Control and Law Enforcement), Subtitle II (Protection of Children and Other Persons), Chapter 203 (Victims of Child Abuse) Reporting Requirements (Sections 20301 through 21907).  To access this section of the US Code follow:

https://uscode.house.gov/browse/prelim@title34/subtitle2/chapter203/subchapter1&edition=prelim

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:36%20section:220501%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title36-section220501)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:18%20section:2258%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title18-section2258)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=trueeCFR :: 28 CFR 81.2 — Submission of reports; designation of agencies to receive reports of child abuse.

Information from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is available online at;

Training on Identification of Child Abuse and Neglect – Child Welfare Information Gateway

How to Report Child Abuse and Neglect – Child Welfare Information Gateway

Child Help National Child Abuse Hotline | (childhelphotline.org) or call or text:

1.800.4.A.Child
1.800.422.4453