Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect
Who Must Report?
Anyone may report suspected child abuse or neglect. Under West
Virginia Law ( WV Code 49-6A-2 ) certain persons are
required to report. These persons include:
- medical, dental, or
mental health professionals
- religious healers
- social services
workers
- school teachers and
other school personnel
- members of the
clergy
- child care or foster
care workers
- emergency medical
services personnel
- peace officers or
law enforcement officials circuit court judges
- family court judges
or magistrates
- Christian Science
practitioners
Why Should I Report?
The purpose of required reporting is to identify suspected abused
and neglected children as soon as possible so that they may be protected from
further harm. Child Protective services cannot act until a report is made.
Without detection, reporting and intervention abused and neglected
children may remain victims for the rest of their lives. These children do not
grow up and forget their childhood. They carry physical and emotional scars
throughout their lives, often repeating the pattern of abuse and neglect with
their own children.
Am I Protected if I Report?
How Do I Report?
When you suspect that a child is being abused you must report to the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline ( 1-800-352-6513 ) 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.