Prevent Child Abuse in Alabama
How do I get online child abuse prevention training and background checks?
Compass Abuse Prevention Services offers online child abuse prevention training and background checks.
What is child abuse and neglect in Alabama?
Under Alabama law, child abuse is “harm or threatened harm to a child’s health or welfare which can occur through nonaccidental physical or mental injury; sexual abuse or attempted sexual abuse; sexual exploitation or attempted sexual exploitation.”
Alabama law defines child neglect as “negligent treatment or maltreatment of a child, including the failure to provide adequate food, medical treatment, clothing, or shelter: provided, however, that a parent or guardian legitimately practicing his religious beliefs who thereby does not provide specified medical treatment for a child, for that reason alone shall not be considered a negligent parent or guardian; however, such an exception shall not preclude a court from ordering that medical services be provided to the child, where his health requires it.”
According to the Child Welfare League of America, there were 11,663 victims of abuse or neglect in Alabama in 2020, a rate of 10.7 per 1,000 children, an increase of 14.8% since 2016.
Who is a mandated reporter according to AL state requirements?
According to Erin’s Law, any person whose profession brings them in contact with children on a daily basis is legally obligated to report signs of suspected child abuse or neglect.
Mandatory Reporters in Alabama are:
- Employees at hospitals, clinics, & sanitariums
- Social Workers
- Child Care Employees
- Clergy
- School Teachers & Officials
- Public and Private K-12 employees
- Employees of public and private institutions of postsecondary and higher education
- Physical Therapists
- Dentists
- Peace Officers
- Law Enforcement
- Mental Health Professionals
- Pharmacists
- Nurses
- Doctors, Physicians, Surgeons, & Medical Examiners
- Podiatrists, Chiropractors, Optometrists, Osteopaths, & Coroners
Even if you are not an Alabama mandatory reporter, you are still encouraged to report any suspected child abuse or neglect.
How do I report child abuse in Alabama?
Anyone can report child abuse or neglect for children under the age of 19 by calling their County Department of Human Resources or local law enforcement agency.
If a mandated reporter suspects child abuse, they are required to make a report with the Alabama Department of Human Resources.
Erin’s Law (HB197) mandates that school personnel complete Mandatory Reporter training annually. All public school systems are required to establish developmentally appropriate instruction.
According to Citation: Ala. Code § 26-14-13, any mandated reporter who knowingly fails to report child abuse or neglect shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a sentence of not more than 6 months’ imprisonment or a fine not more than $500.00.
How do I contact the AL Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention?
Contact the Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention
60 Commerce Street, Suite 1000
Montgomery, Alabama 36104
(334) 262-2951
Disclaimer: Please ensure the information and courses meet requirements for your organization and circumstances and align with what your state Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention requires. The state requirements and child abuse and human trafficking statistics listed on this page are current as of February 20th, 2023 to meet the best information available. State requirements may change and it is your responsibility to know your state mandated reporter requirements and the process for online child abuse prevention training. Compass Abuse Prevention Services can not guarantee acceptance by your school, organization, or state Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention. If there is a child abuse emergency, call 911 immediately.