Immunity for Persons Who Report Child Abuse and Neglect - Washington

Immunity for Making Reports

Citation: Rev. Code § 26.44.060

Any person participating in good faith in making a report of alleged child abuse or neglect shall in so doing be immune from any civil or criminal liability arising out of such reporting under any law of this State or its political subdivisions.

Additional Provisions of Immunity

Citation: Rev. Code § 26.44.060

Any person participating in good faith in testifying as to alleged child abuse or neglect in a judicial proceeding or otherwise providing information or assistance, including medical evaluations or consultations, in connection with a report, investigation, or legal intervention pursuant to a good faith report of child abuse or neglect shall in so doing be immune from any civil or criminal liability arising out of such reporting or testifying under any law of this State or its political subdivisions.

An administrator of a hospital or similar institution or any licensed physician taking a child into custody pursuant to § 26.44.056 shall not be subject to criminal or civil liability for such action.

A person who, in good faith and without gross negligence, cooperates in an investigation arising from a report made pursuant to this chapter shall not be subject to civil liability arising out of their cooperation.

Limitations to Immunity

Citation: Rev. Code § 26.44.060

A person who, intentionally and in bad faith, knowingly makes a false report of alleged abuse or neglect shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable in accordance with § 9A.20.021. A person convicted of a violation of this section shall not be immune from liability.

This section does not apply to a person who caused or allowed the child abuse or neglect to occur.