Code Section
48.981, 48.02

What Constitutes Abuse
Physical injury inflicted on child other than by accidental means, sexual abuse/exploitation, emotional damage, (harm to child’s psychological or intellectual functioning which is exhibited by anxiety, depression, or other outward behavior) or neglect (failure to provide necessaries of life); on unborn child, habitual lack of self control by expectant mother in use of alcohol and controlled drugs

Mandatory Reporting Required By
Physician, coroner, nurse, dentist, chiropractor, acupuncturist, or other medical or mental health professional, social worker, marriage or family therapist, counselor, public assistance worker, school teacher/administrator/counselor, mediator, child care or day care center worker, physical or occupational therapists, EMT, speech-language pathologists, police or law enforcement officer, attorney, member of treatment staff or alcohol/drug abuse counselor

Basis of Report of Abuse/Neglect
Reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been abused or neglected or has been threatened with abuse or neglect or that abuse or neglect will occur

To Whom Reported
The county department (or licensed child welfare agency under contract with the county department) or sheriff or police department

Penalty for Failure to Report or False Reporting
Fine up to $1,000 and/or up to 6 months in jail