Clergy as Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect - Alabama
Date: May 2023
The Requirement for Clergy to Report
Citation: Ala. Code § 26-14-3(a)
Members of the clergy (as defined in Rule 505 of the Alabama Rules of Evidence) shall be required to report, or cause a report to be made, immediately when a child is known or suspected to be a victim of child abuse or neglect—either by telephone or direct communication, followed by a written report—to a duly constituted authority.
Privileged Communications
Citation: Ala. Code § 26-14-3(f)
A member of the clergy shall not be required to report information gained solely in a confidential communication, privileged pursuant to Rule 505 of the Alabama Rules of Evidence, as such communications shall continue to be privileged as provided by law.