Louisiana Child Abuse Laws
More Information on Child Abuse Laws
| Code Section | ยง14:403 Criminal; Art. 609 & 603 Children's Code |
| What Constitutes Abuse | Acts seriously endangering the physical, mental, or emotional health of child, including infliction or allowing infliction or attempted infliction of physical or mental injury; exploitation by overwork; sexual abuse or involvement in pornography |
| Mandatory Reporting Required By | Any health practitioner, mental health/social service practitioner, teacher or child care provider, police officer or law enforcement, and commercial film and photographic print processor, and mediators, clergy |
| Basis of Report of Abuse/neglect | Cause to believe that a child's physical or mental health or welfare is endangered as a result of abuse or neglect |
| To Whom Reported | Local child protection unit of the Department of Social Services |
| Penalty for Failure to Report or False Reporting | Knowingly and willfully fails to report or makes a false report: misdemeanor and up to $500 and/or 6 months jail |
Note: State laws are constantly changing -- contact an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
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