How to Report

Citation: Fam. Law §§ 5-704; 5-704.1

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, including any law on privileged communications, each mandated reporter acting in a professional capacity in this State who has reason to believe that a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect shall make an oral report by telephone or direct communication as soon as possible. A written report shall be made no later than 48 hours after the contact, examination, attention, or treatment that caused the individual to believe that the child had been subjected to abuse or neglect.

An individual may notify the local Department of Social Services or the appropriate law enforcement agency if the individual has reason to believe that a parent, guardian, or caregiver of a child allows the child to reside with or be in the regular presence of an individual, other than the child's parent or guardian, who is registered on the sex offender registry based on the commission of an offense against a child and, based on additional information, poses a substantial risk of sexual abuse to the child.

Citation: Fam. Law § 5-704

Insofar as is reasonably possible, a report shall include the following information:

• The name, age, and home address of the child
• The name and home address of the child’s parent or other person who is responsible for the child’s care
• The whereabouts of the child
• The nature and extent of the risk of sexual abuse, abuse or neglect of the child, including any evidence or information available to the reporter concerning possible previous instances of abuse or neglect
• Any other information that would help to determine:
  • The cause of the suspected abuse or neglect or risk of sexual abuse, and
  • The identity of any individual responsible for the abuse or neglect or risk of sexual abuse

For reports related to substance-exposed newborns:

• The name, date of birth, and home address of the newborn
• The names and home addresses of the newborn’s parents
• The nature and extent of the effects of the prenatal alcohol or drug exposure on the newborn
• The nature and extent of the impact of the prenatal alcohol or drug exposure on the mother’s ability to provide proper care and attention to the newborn
• The nature and extent of the risk of harm to the newborn
• Any other information that would support a conclusion that:
  • The needs of the newborn require a prompt assessment of risk and safety
  • The development of a plan of safe care for the newborn is necessary
  • Referral of the family for appropriate services is warranted

Citation: Fam. Law §§ 5-705.2; 5-705.4

An individual may not intentionally prevent or interfere with the making of a report of suspected abuse or neglect as required by law. A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction, is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding $10,000, or both.

If an agency participating in an investigation under § 5-706 has substantial grounds to believe that a person has knowingly failed to report suspected abuse or neglect as required by § 5-704, the agency shall do any of the following:

• File a complaint with the appropriate licensing board in accordance with the provisions of the Health Occupations Article if the person is a health practitioner
• File a complaint with the appropriate law enforcement agency if the person is a police officer
• File a complaint with the county board of education or the appropriate agency, institution, or licensed facility at which the person is employed if the person is an educator or a human service worker