State Laws on Child Abuse and Neglect
All States have enacted laws and policies that define State roles and responsibilities in protecting vulnerable children from abuse and neglect. Issues addressed in statute include mandatory reporting, screening reports, proper maintenance and disclosure of records, domestic violence, and other issues.
Reporting and responding to child abuse and neglect
Maintaining child abuse and neglect records
Protecting children from domestic violence
Related issues
Links to State and Tribal Child Welfare Law and Policy
Series Title State Statutes
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability View
Download (PDF - 196KB)
Year Published 2015
Provides web addresses for State statutes that are accessible online and lists the parts of the code for each State and territory that contains the laws addressing child protection, adoption, child welfare, legal guardianship, and services for youth. It also provides web addresses for States' regulation and policy sites, State court rules, Tribal codes, and judicial resources. Resources for all States and U.S. territories are included.