Code Section
§14:403 Criminal; Art. 609 & 603 Children’s Code

What Constitutes Abuse
Acts seriously endangering the physical, mental, or emotional health of child, including infliction or allowing infliction or attempted infliction of physical or mental injury; exploitation by overwork; sexual abuse or involvement in pornography

Mandatory Reporting Required By
Any health practitioner, mental health/social service practitioner, teacher or child care provider, police officer or law enforcement, and commercial film and photographic print processor, and mediators, clergy

Basis of Report of Abuse/Neglect
Cause to believe that a child’s physical or mental health or welfare is endangered as a result of abuse or neglect

To Whom Reported
Local child protection unit of the Department of Social Services

Penalty for Failure to Report or False Reporting
Knowingly and willfully fails to report or makes a false report: misdemeanor and up to $500 and/or 6 months jail