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Washington Child Abuse Laws
More Information on Child Abuse Laws
| Code Section | 26.44.010. et seq. |
| What Constitutes Abuse | The injury, sexual abuse/exploitation or negligent treatment of a child, under circumstances which indicate that such child's health, welfare, or safety is harmed |
| Mandatory Reporting Required By | All practitioners, coroners, law enforcement officer, school personnel, nurse, social services counselor, psychologist, pharmacist, child care providers, juvenile probation officer, health and social services department employee |
| Basis of Report of Abuse/neglect | Reasonable cause to believe that a child has suffered abuse or neglect |
| To Whom Reported | State Department of Social and Health Services or proper law enforcement agency |
| Penalty for Failure to Report or False Reporting | Gross 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.
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: