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How to Report

Alabama (AL)

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Who is required to report?

Citation: Ala. Code § 26-14-3

Reports are required from all the following:

  • Hospitals, clinics, sanitariums, doctors, physicians, surgeons, medical examiners, coroners, dentists, osteopaths, optometrists, chiropractors, podiatrists, pharmacists, physical therapists, and nurses
  • Public and private K–12 employees, teachers, and school officials
  • Peace officers and law enforcement officials
  • Social workers
  • Daycare workers or employees
  • Mental health professionals
  • Employees of public and private institutions of postsecondary and higher education
  • Members of the clergy
  • Any other person called upon to render aid or medical assistance to a child

When is a report required?

Citation: Ala. Code § 26-14-3

A report must be made when the child is known or suspected of being a victim of abuse or neglect. 

What information should the report include?

Citation: Ala. Code § 26-14-5

Name of child, persons living with child, person allegedly responsible for abuse or neglect, description of abuse/neglect and how it affected the child, other pertinent information, information about the reporter.

Failure to report

Citation: Ala. Code §§ 26-14-3(g); 26-14-13

Any person who knowingly fails to make the report required by the reporting laws shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a sentence of not more than 6 months imprisonment or a fine of not more than $500.

Commencing on August 1, 2013, a public or private employer who discharges, suspends, disciplines, or penalizes an employee solely for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect pursuant to this section shall be guilty of a class C misdemeanor.