FindLaw | Find a Lawyer. Find Answers.
Are you a legal Professional?
My current location:
,
| Change location
Minnesota Child Abuse Laws
More Information on Child Abuse Laws
| Code Section | 626.556 |
| What Constitutes Abuse | Physical or mental injury inflicted on child other than by accidental means or which can't be reasonably explained; any aversive or deprivation procedures; sexual abuse, neglect-failure to protect a child from conditions which endanger the child's health; discipline which is not reasonable |
| Mandatory Reporting Required By | Professional and professional's delegate in healing arts, social services, hospital administration, psychological treatment, child care, education, law enforcement, clergy (for information received while engaged in ministerial duties), any other person may report |
| Basis of Report of Abuse/neglect | Knows or has reason to believe a child is being neglected or physically or sexually abused (or has been in preceding 3 years) |
| To Whom Reported | Local welfare agency, police department, county sheriff, or agency responsible for investigating the report |
| Penalty for Failure to Report or False Reporting | Failure to report: misdemeanor; failure by parent, guardian or caretaker: gross misdemeanor if child suffers harm; if a child dies, felony and imprisonment for 2 yrs. and/or $4000 fine; knowing or reckless false report: person civilly liable for actual damages suffered and punitive damages and attorney's fees |
Note: State laws are constantly changing -- contact an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Research the Law:
- Official State Codes - Links to the official online statutes (laws) in all 50 states and DC.
Related Resources for Child Abuse Laws: