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South Carolina Child Abuse Laws
More Information on Child Abuse Laws
| Code Section | 20-7-490, et seq. |
| What Constitutes Abuse | Child whose death results from or whose physical or mental health or welfare is harmed or threatened with harm including physical or mental injuries sustained as a result of excessive corporal punishment, sexual abuse/exploitation, neglect or abandonment, encouraging delinquency |
| Mandatory Reporting Required By | Physician, nurse, dentist, coroner, EMT, mental health or allied health professional, clergy, Christian Science practitioner, religious healer, school teacher/counselor, social or public assistance worker, child care or day care center worker, police or law enforcement officer, undertaker, funeral home director/employee, judge, optometrist, film processor |
| Basis of Report of Abuse/neglect | Having reason to believe that a child's physical or mental health or welfare has been or may be adversely affected by abuse or neglect |
| To Whom Reported | County Department of Social Services or law enforcement agency in county where child resides or is found |
| Penalty for Failure to Report or False Reporting | Failure to report: misdemeanor, and fine up to $500 and/or jail up to 6 months; False report: subject to civil action for actual & punitive damages, costs 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.
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- Official State Codes - Links to the official online statutes (laws) in all 50 states and DC.
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