Child Sexual Abuse is a Crime
Mandated Reporters
Certain individuals are considered Mandated Reporters
and are required by the law to report all suspected cases
of child abuse or neglect. Failure to do so is a misdemeanor
and can result in fines or imprisonment. This law is
part of the Louisiana Children's Code-Article 603(13).
Mandated Reporters include Health practitioners, Mental Health/Social
Service Practitioners, Teachers and Child Care Providers,
Law Enforcement Officials, as well as Commercial Film and
Photographic Print processors.
These include, but are not limited to, the following people:
nurses, nurses aides, coroners, medical interns,
hospital staff, therapists, dentists and aides, medical doctors,
psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, social workers,
teachers, principals, any school staff, probation officers,
foster home parents, licensed or unlicensed day care provider,
group home staff, photo developers at stores, and all law
enforcement personnel.
According to the Louisiana Children's Code the first report should be made orally immediately. This can be called in or made to your local child protection agency, which is part of the Department of Social Services. The report can also be made to law enforcement. Within 5 days a written report should be turned in as well. If you have reason to believe a child may be neglected or abused then it is necessary to report.
Louisiana laws protect a mandated reporter's
identity, and they are given immunity from legal liability
as a result of a report made in good faith. However,
these reporters can be asked to testify, if the case becomes
a legal or judicial matter, concerning incidents about which
they have direct knowledge.
Child Abuse includes the infliction or, due to
inadequate supervision, allowance of infliction upon a child,
the exploitation or over work of a child, the involvement
of the child in any sexual act with any person. Sexual
acts include pornographic displays or a parent or caretaker's
tolerating of sexual activity with any person.
Reporting abuse is a crucial part of the responsibility
of each person as a member of the community, nation, and humanity.
Remember, a child's safety is an adult's job.
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