(1) Does the state require everyone to report child abuse, including sex abuse? No, but the reporting requirement is legally quite broad. Any “person with responsibility for the care of children” must report abuse.
(2) Does the law require coaches to report child abuse? Yes, most likely. Though coaches are not named explicitly, a coach is likely considered a “person with responsibility for the care of children” and, therefore, must report.
(3) Does the law require college staff to report child abuse? Yes, most likely. Though college staff or professors are not named explicitly in the statute, both are most likely considered to be persons “with responsibility for the care of children” and, therefore, must report.
(4) Does the law allow jail time for those who fail to properly report abuse? Yes; the penalty is a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine.
Go back to our full analysis here.