Child Abuse and Neglect (as defined by law)
According to the Louisiana Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Law, La.R.S.14:403, states that any person who, under Children’s Code Article 609 (A) (Mandatory Reporters), is required to report the abuse or neglect or sexual abuse of a child and knowingly and willfully fails to so report shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both. This law also protects mandated reporters from being sued by parents for making the report as long as it was made in good faith.
Abuse
“Abuse” means any one of the following acts, which seriously endanger the physical, mental, or emotional health of a child.
- The infliction, attempted infliction, or, as a result of inadequate supervision, the allowance of the infliction or attempted infliction of physical or mental injury upon the child by a parent or any other person.
- The exploitation or overwork of a child by a parent or any other person.
- The involvement of the child in any sexual act with a parent or any other person, or the aiding or toleration by the parent or caretaker of the child’s sexual involvement with any other person or of the child’s involvement in pornographic displays, or the involvement of a child in sexual activity constituting a crime under the laws of the state.
Neglect
“Neglect” means the refusal or willful failure of a parent or caretaker to supply the child with necessary food, clothing, shelter, care and/or treatment.