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

Failure to Report

Citation: Ann. Stat. Tit. 33, § 4913(d)(2); (f)

An employer or supervisor shall not discharge; demote; transfer; reduce pay, benefits, or work privileges; prepare a negative work performance evaluation; or take any other action detrimental to any employee because that employee filed a good faith report in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter. Any person making a report under this subchapter shall have a civil cause of action for appropriate compensatory and punitive damages against any person who causes detrimental changes in the employment status of the reporting party by reason of his or her making a report.

A person who violates the law requiring mandated reporters to report suspected child abuse or neglect shall be fined no more than $500.

A person who violates the reporting laws with the intent to conceal abuse or neglect of a child shall be imprisoned no more than 6 months or fined for no more than $1,000, or both.

False Reporting

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed.