Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect - Guam

Professionals Required to Report

Citation: Ann. Code Tit. 19, § 13201

Persons required to report suspected child abuse include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Physicians, medical examiners, dentists, osteopaths, optometrists, chiropractors, podiatrists, interns, nurses, hospital personnel, or Christian Science practitioners
• Clergy members
• School administrators, teachers, nurses, or counselors
• Social services workers, daycare center workers, or any other child care or foster care workers
• Mental health professionals, peace officers, or law enforcement officials
• Commercial film and photographic print processors

Training Requirements for Mandatory Reporters

Training for mandatory reporters is not addressed in the laws and policies reviewed.

Reporting by Other Persons

Citation: Ann. Code Tit. 19, § 13202

Any person may make a report if that person has reasonable cause to suspect that a child is an abused or neglected child.

Institutional Responsibility to Report

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed.

Standards for Making a Report

Citation: Ann. Code Tit. 19, § 13201

A report is required when either of the following apply:

• A reporter, who in the course of their employment, occupation, or professional practice comes into contact with children, has reason to suspect on the basis of their medical, professional, or other training and experience that a child is an abused or neglected child.
• Any commercial film or photographic print processor has knowledge of or observes any film, photograph, videotape, negative, or slide depicting a child under age 18 engaged in an act of sexual conduct.

Privileged Communications

Citation: Ann. Code Tit. 19, § 13201

No person may claim privileged communications as a basis for their refusal or failure to report suspected child abuse or neglect or to provide child protective services or the Guam Police Department with required information. Such privileges are specifically abrogated with respect to reporting suspected child abuse or neglect or of providing information to the agency.

Inclusion of Reporter's Name in Report

Citation: Ann. Code Tit. 19, § 13203

Every report should include the name of the person making the report. Persons who are required by law to report shall be required to reveal their names.

Disclosure of Reporter Identity

Citation: Ann. Code Tit. 19, § 13203

The identity of the reporter shall be confidential and may be disclosed only as follows:

• Among child protective agencies
• To counsel representing a child protective agency
• To the attorney general's office in a criminal prosecution or family court action
• To a licensing agency when abuse in licensed out-of-home care is reasonably suspected
• When the reporter waives confidentiality
• By court order