Child Abuse

What Should Be Reported?

Anytime there is a reason to suspect child is being abused or neglected, a report should be made to Children's Services or to law enforcement. A child is defined as a person who is less than 18 years of age, or a physically or mentally handicapped person under the age of 21. The reporter is not required to have any proof regarding the reported concerns.

The reporter is encouraged to provide as much information about the child as possible. For example:

• name, age, and address of the child victim
• name of the parent or caretaker of the child
• name and address of the person suspected of abusing or neglecting the child
• the reason for the suspicion regarding the abuse or neglect
• any other information that might be helpful

Mandated Reporting

The Ohio Revised Code, 2151.421, identifies certain professionals who are required to report suspicions of child abuse and neglect. Among those are:

• attorneys
• audiologists
• child care workers
• children's services personnel
• clergy
• coroners
• daycare personnel
• dentists
• licensed professional counselors
• nurses and other health care professionals
• physicians, including interns and residents
• podiatrists
• psychologists
• school teachers and other school personnel
• social workers
• speech pathologists

A failure to report child abuse or neglect by any of these professionals could result in a conviction of a fourth degree misdemeanor, professional sanctions, and liability for civil damages.

Who Else Can Report?

Anyone who suspects a child is at risk of abuse or neglect is encouraged to make a report. This can include family, neighbors, friends, or even strangers.

It is also possible to make an anonymous report. The reporter's identity, however, makes it possible for a caseworker to get additional or clarifying information during the course of involvement with the child.

Reporters are protected from any civil or criminal liability as long as the report made is in good faith.

How is a report made?

A report may be made by telephone, in person, or by writing to the Children's Services Agency in the county in which the suspected child victim resides.

For concerns regarding a child living in Logan County, call Children's Services at 599-7290. This is a 24 hour number answered 7 days a week.

What happens to the report after it is made?

All reports of child abuse or of child neglect are held in strict confidence in accord with the provisions of the Ohio Revised Code and the Ohio Administrative Code. The identity of any reporter of child abuse or child neglect is held in especial confidence according to Ohio Law.

After the report is written up, it is reviewed by the caseworker and a supervisor to determine if the concerns are appropriate for follow-up by the Children's Services Agency. If another agency is determined to be more suitable to address the concerns, a referral will be made to that agency. If the report is appropriate for Children's Services, an assessment process will begin within 24 hours to determine the immediate risk to the child.