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Massachusetts Child Abuse Laws
More Information on Child Abuse Laws
| Code Section | 119§51A, 119§21 |
| What Constitutes Abuse | Physical or emotional abuse or injury causing harm to child's health or welfare including sexual abuse/neglect, malnutrition and physical dependence upon addictive drug at birth |
| Mandatory Reporting Required By | Physician, hospital personnel, psychologist, medical examiner, EMT, dentist, nurse, chiropractor, school teacher, educational administrator, counselor, day care worker, probation and parole officers, clerk of the court, social worker, firefighter, policeman, mental health services professional, foster parent, drug and alcohol counselor, clergy |
| Basis of Report of Abuse/neglect | Reasonable cause to believe a child is suffering from physical or emotional injury causing harm or substantial risk of harm to child's health and welfare |
| To Whom Reported | Department of Social Services |
| Penalty for Failure to Report or False Reporting | Fine up to $1,000 |
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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