What is child abuse and neglect in North Carolina?
Under North Carolina law, child abuse is the intentional maltreatment of a child and can be physical, sexual or emotional in nature.
Child neglect, on the other hand, is the failure to give children the necessary care they need.
According to the Child Welfare League of America, there were 22,399 victims of abuse or neglect in North Carolina in 2020, a rate of 9.7 per 1,000 children. This is a 214% increase since 2016.
Who is a mandated reporter according to NC state requirements?
Anyone who suspects child abuse or neglect is legally obligated to report it under NC law.
Any person who knowingly or wantonly fails to report child abuse or neglect is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Disclaimer: Please ensure the information and courses meet requirements for your organization and circumstances and align with what your state Department of Health and Human Services requires. The state requirements and child abuse and human trafficking statistics listed on this page are current as of August 9th, 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 Health and Human Services. If there is a child abuse emergency, call 911 immediately.