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How to Report

Montana (MT)

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Who is required to report?

Citation: Ann. Code §§ 41-3-201; 15-6-201(2)(b)

Professionals required to report include the following:

  • Physicians, residents, interns, members of hospital staffs, nurses, osteopaths, chiropractors, podiatrists, medical examiners, coroners, dentists, optometrists, or any other health professionals
  • Teachers, school officials, or school employees who work during regular school hours
  • Operators or employees of any registered or licensed daycare or substitute care facility, or operators or employees of child care facilities
  • Mental health professionals or social workers
  • Religious healers
  • Foster care, residential, or institutional workers
  • Members of the clergy, as defined in § 15-6-201(2)(b)
  • Guardians ad litem or court-appointed advocates authorized to investigate a report
  • Peace officers or other law enforcement officials
  • Child protection specialists
  • Guardians ad litem or court-appointed advocates who are authorized to investigate a report of alleged abuse or neglect
  • Employees of entities that contract with the Department of Public Health and Human Services to provide direct services to children
  • Employees of the department while conducting their duties

The term 'clergy' includes any of the following:

  • An ordained minister, priest, or rabbi
  • A commissioned or licensed minister of a church or church denomination that ordains ministers if the person has the authority to perform substantially all the religious duties of the church or denomination
  • A member of a religious order who has taken a vow of poverty
  • A Christian Science practitioner

When is a report required?

Citation: Ann. Code § 41-3-201

When a mandated reporter knows or has reasonable cause to suspect as a result of information they receive in their professional or official capacity that a child is abused or neglected, he or she shall promptly make a report to the Department of Public Health and Human Services.

What information should the report include?

Citation: Ann. Code § 41-3-201

  • The names and addresses of the child and the child’s parents or other persons responsible for the child’s care
  • To the extent known, the child’s age and the nature and extent of the child’s injuries, including any evidence of previous injuries
  • Any other information that the reporter believes might be helpful in:
    • Establishing the cause of the injuries, or
    • Showing the willful neglect and the identity of person or persons responsible for the injury or neglect
  • The facts that led the reporter to believe that the child has suffered injury or willful neglect

Failure to report

Citation: Ann. Code § 41-3-207

Any mandatory reporter who fails to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect or who prevents another person from reasonably doing so is civilly liable for the damages proximately caused by such failure or prevention.

Any mandatory reporter who purposely or knowingly fails to report when required or purposely or knowingly prevents another person from doing so is guilty of a misdemeanor.