Code Section
41-3-102, 41-3-201, et seq.

What Constitutes Abuse
Harm or substantial risk of harm to child’s health and welfare; or abandonment including acts or omissions of person responsible for child’s welfare. Does not include self-defense, defense of others, or action taken to prevent self-harm of child.

Mandatory Reporting Required By
Physician, member of hospital staff, coroner, mental health professional, dentist, Christian Science practitioner, religious healers, school teachers and officials, social workers, day care/child care workers, foster care worker, clergy (unless privileged communication), law enforcement officer, guardian ad litem or court appointed advocate

Basis of Report of Abuse/Neglect
Know or have reasonable cause to suspect that a child is abused or neglected

To Whom Reported
Department of Public Health and Human Services or its local affiliate

Penalty for Failure to Report or False Reporting
Guilty of misdemeanor and civilly liable for proximately caused damages