Penalties for Failure to Report and False Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect - Connecticut

Failure to Report

Citation: Gen. Stat. §§ 17a-101a; 17a-101e(a)

Any mandated reporter who fails to report as required by law or fails to make such report within the time period prescribed by law shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor. That person, however, shall be guilty of a class E felony if any of the following is true:

• The failure to report is a subsequent violation.
• The failure to report was willful, intentional, or due to gross negligence.
• The person had actual knowledge that a child was abused or neglected.

Any person who intentionally and unreasonably interferes with or prevents the making of a report pursuant to this section, or attempts or conspires to do so, shall be guilty of a class D felony. The provisions of this subdivision shall not apply to any child under age 18 or any person who is being educated by the Technical Education and Career System or a local or regional board of education, other than as part of an adult education program.

Any person found guilty under the provisions of this section shall be required to participate in an educational and training program.

The attorney general may bring an action in superior court against an employer who discharges or in any manner discriminates or retaliates against any in employee who in good faith makes a report of child abuse or neglect. The court may assess a civil penalty of no more than $2,500 and may order such other equitable relief as the court deems appropriate.

False Reporting

Citation: Gen. Stat. § 17a-101e(c)-(d)

Any person who is alleged to have knowingly made a false report of child abuse or neglect shall be referred to the office of the Chief State's Attorney for purposes of a criminal investigation.

Any person who knowingly makes a false report of child abuse or neglect shall be fined not more than $2,000 or imprisoned for not more than 1 year, or both.