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?
West Virginia law provides immunity from civil or criminal liability for persons reporting in good faith ( WV Code 49-6A-6 )
How Do I Report?
When you suspect that a child is being abused you should report your concerns to the Child Protective Services ( CPS ) unit in the county office of the Department of Health and Human Resources where you live. Locate DHHR County Offices
Reports can also be made to the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline ( 1-800-352-6513 ) 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
