Clergy as Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect - West Virginia
Date: May 2023
The Requirement for Clergy to Report
Citation: Ann. Code § 49-2-803
When any member of the clergy has reasonable cause to suspect that a child is neglected or abused, or observes the child being subjected to conditions that are likely to result in abuse or neglect, such person shall immediately, and not more than 24 hours after suspecting this abuse, report the circumstances or cause a report to be made to the Department of Health and Human Resources.
Privileged Communications
Citation: Ann. Code § 49-2-811
The privileged quality of communications between any professional person and their patient or client, except that between attorney and client, is hereby abrogated in situations involving suspected or known child abuse or neglect.