Rhode Island

(1) Does the state require everyone to report child abuse, including sex abuse?  Yes. “Any person who has reasonable cause to know or suspect that any child has been abused” is required to report. A separate section of the law also requires “any person” to report in cases where sexual abuse occurs at the hands of someone associated with an educational program.

(2) Does the law require coaches to report child abuse? Yes, because everyone is required to report.

(3) Does the law require college staff to report child abuse? Yes, because everyone is required to report.

(4) Does the law allow jail time for those who fail to properly report abuse? Yes; the penalty for failing to report is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and up to a $500 fine.

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