Clergy as Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect

Citation: Neb. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 28-711
When any person has reasonable cause to believe that a child has been subjected to child abuse or neglect or observes that child being subjected to conditions or circumstances that reasonably would result in child abuse or neglect, he or she shall report such incident or cause a report of child abuse or neglect to be made to the proper law enforcement agency or to the Department of Social Services.

 

Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect

Professionals Required to Report
Citation: Rev. Stat. § 28-711

Professionals required to report include:

• Physicians, medical institutions, or nurses

• School employees

• Social workers

• The Inspector General appointed under § 43-4317

The office of Inspector General of Nebraska Child Welfare was created within the office of Public Counsel for the purpose of conducting investigations, audits, inspections, and other reviews of the Nebraska child welfare system. The Inspector General shall be appointed by the Public Counsel with approval from the chairperson of the Executive Board of the Legislative Council and the chairperson of the Health and Human Services Committee of the Legislature.

Reporting by Other Persons
Citation: Rev. Stat. § 28-711
All other persons who have reasonable cause to believe that a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect must report.

Institutional Responsibility to Report
Not addressed in statutes reviewed.

Standards for Making a Report
Citation: Rev. Stat. § 28-711
A report is required when:

• A reporter has reasonable cause to believe that a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect.

• A reporter observes a child being subjected to conditions or circumstances that reasonably would result in abuse or neglect.

Privileged Communications
Citation: Rev. Stat. § 28-714
The physician-patient, counselor-client, and husband-wife privileges shall not be grounds for failing to report.

Inclusion of Reporter's Name in Report
Citation: Rev. Stat. § 28-711
The initial oral report shall include the reporter's name and address.

Disclosure of Reporter Identity
Citation: Rev. Stat. § 28-719
The name and address of the reporter shall not be included in any release of information.

Updated 06/01/2016

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