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

Failure to Report

Citation: Ann. Stat. Tit. 10A, § 1-2-101(B)(4); (C)

Any employer, supervisor, or administrator who discharges, discriminates, or retaliates against the employee or other person shall be liable for damages, costs, and attorney fees.

Any person who knowingly and willfully fails to promptly report suspected child abuse or neglect or who interferes with the prompt reporting of suspected child abuse or neglect may be reported to local law enforcement for criminal investigation and, upon conviction thereof, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

False Reporting

Citation: Ann. Stat. Tit. 10A, § 1-2-101(D)

Any person who knowingly and willfully makes a false report pursuant to the provisions of this section or a report that the person knows lacks factual foundation may be reported to local law enforcement for criminal investigation and, upon conviction thereof, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

If a court determines that an accusation of child abuse or neglect made during a child custody proceeding is false and the person making the accusation knew it to be false at the time the accusation was made, the court may impose a fine, not to exceed $5,000 and reasonable attorney fees incurred in recovering the sanctions, against the person making the accusation. The remedy provided by this paragraph is in addition to the first paragraph above or to any other remedy provided by law.