DELAWARE MANDATORY REPORTING LAWS
MANDATORY REPORTING LAWS
Professionals required to report
Citation: Ann. Code Tit. 16, § 903
Any person, agency, organization, or entity that knows or in good faith suspects child abuse or neglect shall make a report. For
purposes of this section, ‘person’ shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
• Physicians, interns, residents, nurses, or medical examiners
• Other persons in the healing arts, including persons licensed to render services in medicine, osteopathy, or dentistry
• School employees, social workers, or psychologists
• Hospitals or health-care institutions
• The Medical Society of Delaware
• Law enforcement agencies
Other persons required to report
Citation: Ann. Code Tit. 16, § 903
Any person who knows or in good faith suspects child abuse or neglect shall make a report.
Institutional responsibility to report
This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed.
WHAT ARE THEY REQUIRED TO REPORT
Citation: Ann. Code Tit. 16, § 903
A report is required when the reporter knows or in good faith suspects child abuse or neglect.
PENALTIES FOR FAILING TO REPORT
Citation: Ann. Code Tit. 16, § 914
Any person who violates § 903 of this title requiring certain persons to report suspected child abuse or neglect shall be liable for a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000 for the first violation and not to exceed $50,000 for any subsequent violation.
In any action brought under this section, if the court finds a violation, the court may award costs and attorneys’ fees.
PENALTIES FOR FALSE REPORTING
This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed.
PRIVILEGED COMMUNICATIONS
Citation: Ann. Code Tit. 16, § 909
Only attorney-client and clergy-penitent privileges are recognized.
REPORTER’S IDENTITY
Citation: Ann. Code Tit. 16, § 905
Although reports may be made anonymously, the Division of Family Services shall request the name and address of any person making a report.
This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed.