Duty to Report Child Abuse

Child abuse can occur at any time by any one, and it’s important that each case is reported to the proper authorities. Listed below is a statute that states how and when a child abuse case is to be reported.

A.R.S. § 13-3620(A): This statute requires that any person who “reasonably believes that a minor is or has been a victim of physical injury, abuse, child abuse, a reportable offense or neglect that appears to have been inflicted on the minor by other than accidental means or that is not explained by the available medical history as being accidental in nature or who reasonable believes there has been a denial or deprivation of necessary medical treatment or surgical care or nourishment with the intent to cause or allow the death of an infant who is protected under section 36-2281 shall immediately report or cause reports to be made of this information to a peace officer or to child protective services in the department of economic security, except if the report concerns a person who does not have care, custody, or control of the minor, the report shall be made to a peace officer only.”

Child abuse reports are to be made over the phone or in person immediately. These reports will be followed up by a written report within seventy-two hours.

If a child abuse case is found to be incorrect, the individual who reported it is protected by the law both civilly and criminally.

If you suspect a child has been or is a victim of abuse, it is important that you contact the authorities immediately.