(1) Does the state require everyone to report child abuse, including sex abuse? No.
(2) Does the law require coaches to report child abuse? Not explicitly. School employees are required to report, so coaches employed by schools are mandatory reporters. Coaches who do not serve as school employees appear not to be required to report.
(3) Does the law require college staff to report child abuse? Not explicitly. Arguably, college employees fall outside the definition of a “school employee.” Ohio law hinges its mandatory reporting requirements largely on whether or not the person required to report holds a state license. College staff are usually not licensed by state boards of education.
(4) Does the law allow jail time for those who fail to properly report abuse? Yes; the penalty is a 4th Degree Misdemeanor (punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $250 fine) or a 1st Degree Misdemeanor (punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine) depending on the severity and type of abuse suffered by the victim.
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