Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect - Nebraska

Date: May 2023

Professionals Required to Report
Citation: Rev. Stat. § 28-711

Professionals required to report include the following:

  • Physicians, medical institutions, or nurses 
  • School employees
  • Social workers
  • The inspector general appointed under § 43-4317 

The Office of Inspector General of Nebraska Child Welfare was created within the Office of Public Counsel for the purpose of conducting investigations, audits, inspections, and other reviews of the Nebraska child welfare system. The inspector general shall be appointed by the public counsel with approval from the chairperson of the Executive Board of the Legislative Council and the chairperson of the Health and Human Services Committee of the legislature. 

Training Requirements for Mandatory Reporters

This issue is not addressed in the laws and policies reviewed.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services offers an overview of the reporting process on its Child Abuse webpage. The information provided includes definitions and indicators of child abuse and neglect, the procedures for making a report, and the experiences of a family after a report is made.

Reporting by Other Persons
Citation: Rev. Stat. § 28-711

All other persons who have reasonable cause to believe that a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect must report. 

Institutional Responsibility to Report

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed. 

Standards for Making a Report
Citation: Rev. Stat. § 28-711

A report is required when either of the following apply:

  • A reporter has reasonable cause to believe that a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect. 
  • A reporter observes a child being subjected to conditions or circumstances that reasonably would result in abuse or neglect. 

Privileged Communications
Citation: Rev. Stat. § 28-714

Physician-patient, counselor-client, and spousal privileges shall not be grounds for failing to report. 

Inclusion of the Reporter's Name in the Report
Citation: Rev. Stat. § 28-711

The initial oral report shall include the reporter's name and address. 

Disclosure of the Reporter's Identity
Citation: Rev. Stat. § 28-719

The name and address of the reporter shall not be included in any release of information. 

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