Here Are The Mandatory Reporting Laws In Washington, D.C.

District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.)

(1) Does the state require everyone to report child abuse, including sex abuse?  No.

(2) Does the law require coaches to report child abuse? Yes. Every “athletic coach” must report, regardless of where the coach is employed.

(3) Does the law require college staff to report child abuse? Arguably, yes. The law requires any “school official” or “teacher” to report, which arguably does not include college staff, unless a college staff member is a coach, because coaches are required to report. However, later in the law is a statement requiring members of a “school . . . or similar institution” to report. It is unclear whether a college or university is a “similar institution” to a school under the meaning of the statute, but it is arguable that a college or university fits that definition.

(4) Does the law allow jail time for those who fail to properly report abuse? Yes; the punishment is up to 180 days in jail and up to a $1,000 fine.

Go back to our full analysis here.