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Iowa Child Abuse Laws
More Information on Child Abuse Laws
| Code Section | 232.68, et seq. |
| What Constitutes Abuse | Any nonaccidental physical injury or mental injury to child's intellectual or psychological capacity as evidenced by substantial and observable impairment in child's ability to function within normal range; commission of sexual offense; an illegal drug present in child's body; allowing prostitution; failure in care of child to provide food, shelter, or clothing necessary for child's health and welfare |
| Mandatory Reporting Required By | Any health practitioner, social workers, psychologist, school employee, day care center employees, substance abuse program employee, human services institution employee, peace officer, juvenile detention or shelter care employee, mental health professional, counselor, foster care facility operator or employee; any other person may make a report |
| Basis of Report of Abuse/neglect | Reasonably believes a child has suffered abuse |
| To Whom Reported | State Department of Human Services |
| Penalty for Failure to Report or False Reporting | Knowingly and willfully fails to report: simple misdemeanor and civilly liable for proximately caused damages; knowing false report: simple misdemeanor |
Note: State laws are constantly changing -- contact an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
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- Official State Codes - Links to the official online statutes (laws) in all 50 states and DC.
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