§20341 Child Abuse Reporting

Summary

People in certain jobs who work on federal land or in federally run or contracted facilities must report if they learn facts that make them think a child was abused. That includes doctors, nurses and other health workers, mental health workers, social workers, teachers and school staff, child care staff, law enforcement and juvenile facility staff, foster parents, and commercial film or photo processors. Adults who are allowed to work with youth in amateur sports or who work for the U.S. Center for SafeSport must also report suspected abuse, including sexual abuse. Reports must be made as soon as possible — within 24 hours — to the agency the Attorney General names. For incidents involving military families, reporters must also tell the child welfare agency of the State where the child lives, as designated by the Attorney General together with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security. If a report to social services or health agencies alleges sexual abuse, serious physical injury, or life‑threatening neglect, it must be sent right away to law enforcement. A standard written report form and instructions must be given to reporters, but oral or phone reports should still be made immediately when needed. Defined terms (one line each): "child abuse" — physical or mental harm, sexual abuse or exploitation, or dangerous neglect; "physical injury" — things like cuts, broken bones, burns, internal injuries, severe bruising, or serious harm; "mental injury" — big harm to a child’s thinking or emotions shown by major behavior or mood changes; "sexual abuse" — forcing, persuading, or involving a child in sexual acts or exploitation; "sexually explicit conduct" — sexual acts, bestiality, masturbation, lewd exposure, or sadistic/masochistic acts; "exploitation" — child pornography or child prostitution; "negligent treatment" — failing (for reasons other than poverty) to give needed food, clothing, shelter, or medical care so the child’s health is seriously endangered; parental discipline that is reasonable and moderate is not counted as abuse; "covered individual" — adults authorized to interact with amateur athletes or Center for SafeSport staff; "event" — includes travel, lodging, practice, competition, and medical care; "as soon as possible" — within 24 hours. People who report or help in good faith are protected from civil and criminal lawsuits, and those required to report must get regular training on spotting and reporting abuse. Victims are not required to report their own abuse.