JLF - REPORTING CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT
JLF - REPORTING CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT
Under New Hampshire law (RSA 169-C:29), every person who has “reason to suspect” that a child has been abused or neglected is required to report that suspicion to DCYF (Division of Children, Youth and Families of the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services) or directly to the police. Under RSA 169-C:30, the initial report “shall be made immediately via telephone or otherwise.”
The requirement to report is not dependent on whether there is proof of the abuse or neglect, nor is it dependent upon whether the information suggests the abuse or neglect is continuing or happened in the past. Any doubt regarding whether to report should be resolved in favor of reporting. Failure to report may be subject to criminal prosecution, while a report made in good faith is entitled to both civil and criminal immunity. Additionally, a “credential holder”, as defined in New Hampshire Department of Education Rule 501.02(h), who fails to report suspected abuse or neglect risk having action taken by the New Hampshire Department of Education against his/her credential. See N.H. Code of Conduct for Educators, Ed. 510.05 (e).
Per Ed 306.04(a)(10), the Superintendent or designee will maintain procedures for the reporting of child abuse and neglect, signage and notification, and related staff training.
See Also: JLF-R Procedures for Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect
NH Code of Administrative Rules, Ed 306.04(a)(10), Reporting of Suspected Abuse or Neglect
NH Code of Administrative Rules, Code of Conduct for NH Educators, Ed 510.05(e), Duty to Report
RSA 169-C, Child Protection Act
RSA 169-C:29-39, Reporting Law
RSA 189:72, Child Abuse or Neglect Information
RSA 193-D:4, Safe School Zones, Written Report Required
Adopted: February 18, 2016
Reviewed: September, 2017
Revised: October 19, 2017, April 3, 2020