The Identification and Reporting of Child Abuse and Maltreatment Course For Mandated Reporters

Consequences for Failing to Report

>> Legal Repercussions

Any person, official, or institution required by the law to report a case of suspected child abuse or maltreatment who willfully fails to do so:

• may be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor;
• may be civilly liable for the damages caused by such failure.

>> Repercussions to the Child

Abused children tell their story or reveal their abuse and neglect indirectly through their signs and symptoms many, many times before an adult takes action. Children are re-victimized when adults fail to respond. Child Protective Services cannot act until child abuse is identified and reported. Services cannot be offered to the family nor can the child be protected from further suffering.