Clergy as Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect

This publication discusses State laws that require clergy members to report cases of suspected child abuse or neglect. The issue of whether a clergy member can claim privileged communications as a reason for not reporting also is discussed. This publication presents a general overview of this aspect of child welfare law. Summaries of laws on this topic for all individual States and U.S. territories are available from the State Statutes Search page.

Suggested Citation: Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2023). Clergy as mandatory reporters of child abuse and neglect. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Children's Bureau. https://www.childwelfare.gov/resources/clergy-mandatory-reporters-child-abuse-and-neglect/

This publication is a product of the State Statutes Series prepared by Child Welfare Information Gateway. While every attempt has been made to be as complete as possible, additional information on these topics may be in other sections of a State's code as well as agency regulations, case law, and informal practices and procedures.

This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information Gateway.