Parental Substance Use as Child Abuse - Nevada

Date: July 2019

Citation: Rev. Stat. § 432B.220(3) 

Any person who is a mandated reporter who delivers or provides medical services to a newborn infant and who, in his or her professional or occupational capacity, knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the newborn infant has been affected by a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder or prenatal substance abuse or has withdrawal symptoms resulting from prenatal drug exposure shall, as soon as reasonably practicable but no later than 24 hours after the person knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the newborn infant is so affected or has such symptoms, notify an agency that provides child welfare services of the condition of the infant and refer each person who is responsible for the welfare of the infant to an agency for appropriate counseling, training, or other services. A notification and referral to an agency that provides child welfare services pursuant to this subsection shall not be construed to require prosecution for any illegal action.

Citation: Rev. Stat. § 432B.230

A report of suspected child abuse or neglect must contain the following information, if obtainable:

  • The name, address, age, and sex of the child
  • The name and address of the child's parents or other person responsible for the care of the child
  • The nature and extent of the abuse or neglect of the child, the effect of a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder or prenatal substance abuse on the newborn infant or the nature of the withdrawal symptoms resulting from prenatal drug exposure of the newborn infant
  • Any evidence of previously known or suspected:
    • Abuse or neglect of the child or the child's siblings
    • Effects of a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder or prenatal substance abuse on or evidence of withdrawal symptoms resulting from prenatal drug exposure of the newborn infant
  • The name, address and relationship, if known, of the person who is alleged to have abused or neglected the child
  • Any other information known to the person making the report that the agency which provides child welfare services considers necessary

Citation: Rev. Stat. § 432B.330(4)

A child may be in need of protection if the child is identified as being affected by a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder or prenatal substance abuse or as having withdrawal symptoms resulting from prenatal drug exposure.

Related Resources