Clergy as Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect

Citation: Okla. Stat. Ann. Tit. 10A, § 1-2-101
Every person having reason to believe that a child under age 18 is a victim of abuse or neglect shall report the matter promptly to the Department of Human Services.

No privilege or contract shall relieve any person from the requirement of reporting pursuant to this section.

 

Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect

Professionals Required to Report
Citation: Ann. Stat. Tit. 10A, § 1-2-101; Tit. 21, § 1021.4

Mandatory reporters include:

• All persons

• Commercial film and photographic print processors or computer technicians

Reporting by Other Persons
Citation: Ann. Stat. Tit. 10A, § 1-2-101
Every person who has reason to believe that a child is a victim of abuse or neglect must report.

Institutional Responsibility to Report
Citation: Ann. Stat. Tit. 10A, § 1-2-101
The reporting obligations under this section are individual, and no employer, supervisor, or administrator shall interfere with the reporting obligations of any employee or other person or in any manner discriminate or retaliate against the employee or other person who in good faith reports suspected child abuse or neglect, or who provides testimony in any proceeding involving child abuse or neglect.

Standards for Making a Report
Citation: Ann. Stat. Tit. 10A, § 1-2-101; Tit. 21, § 1021.4
A report is required when:

• Any person has reason to believe that a child under age 18 is a victim of abuse or neglect.

• A physician, surgeon, or other health-care professional, including doctors of medicine, licensed osteopathic physicians, residents, and interns, attends the birth of a child who tests positive for alcohol or a controlled dangerous substance.

• A commercial film and photographic print processor or computer technician has knowledge of or observes any film, photograph, videotape, negative, or slide depicting a child engaged in an act of sexual conduct.

Privileged Communications
Citation: Ann. Stat. Tit. 10A, § 1-2-101
No privilege shall relieve any person from the requirement to report.

Inclusion of Reporter's Name in Report
Not addressed in statutes reviewed.

Disclosure of Reporter Identity
Citation: Ann. Stat. Tit. 10A, § 1-2-101
The Department of Human Services shall electronically record each referral received by the statewide centralized child abuse reporting hotline and establish a secure means of retaining the recordings for 12 months. The recordings shall be confidential and subject to disclosure only if a court orders the disclosure of the referral. The department shall redact any information identifying the reporting party unless otherwise ordered by the court.

Updated 06/01/2016

Return to State List