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How to Report

American Samoa

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Who is required to report?

Citation: Ann. Code § 45.2002

The following persons are required to report:

  • Physicians or surgeons, including physicians in training, osteopaths, optometrists, chiropractors, podiatrists, child health associates, medical examiners or coroners, dentists, nurses, or hospital personnel
  • Christian Science practitioners
  • School officials or employees
  • Social workers or workers in family care homes or child care centers
  • Mental health professionals

When is a report required?

Citation: Ann. Code § 45.2002

A report is required under the following circumstances:

  • A reporter has reasonable cause to know or suspect that a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect
  • A reporter has observed the child being subjected to circumstances or conditions that would result in abuse or neglect

What information should the report include?

Citation: Ann. Code § 45.2010

Whenever possible, reports should include the following information:

  • The name, address, age, sex, religion, and race of the child
  • The name and address of the responsible person
  • The nature and extent of the child’s injuries, including any evidence of previous known or suspected abuse or neglect of the child or the child’s siblings
  • The names and addresses of the persons responsible for the suspected abuse or neglect, if known
  • The family composition
  • The name, address, and occupation of the person making the report
  • Any action taken by the reporting source
  • Any other information that the person making the report believes may be helpful in furthering the purposes of this chapter

Failure to report

Citation: Ann. Code § 45.2002(d)

Any person who willfully violates the provisions the law commits a Class A misdemeanor; and is liable for those damages proximately caused.