§3203 Reporting procedures

Summary

Local police or child protective services must immediately tell the other agency when anyone first reports a child is being abused in Indian country or that actions could likely cause such abuse. They must later send a copy of their written report to the other agency. If the report involves an Indian child or the alleged abuser is Indian and a quick check shows a possible crime, the local police (if not the FBI) must immediately notify the FBI. Within 36 hours of the first report, the agency that got the report must write a report that, if known, lists the child’s name, address, age, sex, grade and school; parents’ or caregiver’s name and address; alleged offender’s name and address; the reporter’s name and address; a short account of the injuries and any suspected dates; and any other important details. If the allegation matches the abuse defined in section 3202(3), the agency must start an investigation right away and take steps to protect the child, then prepare a final written report when the investigation ends. The identity of the person who made the report must not be shared without their permission, except to a court or to tribal, State, or Federal employees who need the information to do their jobs.