Yes. If you know that a child has not been injured, neglected, or abused, but you still report an incident of harm, then you can face civil or criminal punishment. Some states makes the intentional falsehood a misdemeanor, other states make it a felony, but nearly all states and even Washington, D.C. punish it in some manner.Â
What If I Don’t Report Child Abuse?
You can get in a lot of legal trouble if you don’t report child abuse and injuries. In nearly all states, mandatory reporters (professionals like cops, teachers, social workers, etc.) have a duty to report if they even suspect a child is being injured or abused. Their penalties can be jail time up to five years and fines up to $10,000. In certain situations, even regular people must report incidents or threats to children. Additionally, failure to abide by child injury or abuse statutes can result in civil liability as well. It is important to understand your states laws regarding the timely and accurate treatment of children.
What Are Illinois’ Rules On Reporting Child Abuse?
Illinois has strict laws on reporting of child injury, abuse, and neglect. Regarding the false reporting of child injuries, people can face civil punishment or even misdemeanor charges if they make willful or intentional misstatements. Additionally, if people in Illinois witness or suspect child injury, abuse, or neglect they can also face criminal charges. ILCS 325, §§ 5/4.02; 5/4 It is vital that you understand Illinois’ requirements for reporting incidents of child abuse. It can help your children if they are injured and protect you from liability if you see it or suspect it.
Call Us To Figure Out What To Do!
It can be hard to determine what your rights and obligations are in modern society. The line between where your privacy starts and the public ends can be blurry and hard to draw. This is where we can step up and tell you what to do. We have instructed many parents and guardians on their responsibilities and rights in the event of child injury or abuse. Especially with the advent of the Internet, determine what the law requires can get confusing but we make it our job to identify what needs to be done, what your children deserve, and how to deliver that to them. If you are unsure of what to do or have questions about your children’s safety, give our law office call. Our office can be reached by calling (888) 424-5757. We look forward to hearing from you.
For additional information see the following pages:
- How Are Children Injured?
- What Can a Child Obtain in a Personal Injury Case?
- What Are Child Injury Laws?
- What Is Institutional Child Abuse?
- What Can I do If I Have Been Harmed or Know a Child That Has Been Harmed?
- What Are Child Injury Cases Worth?
- What Resources Are There For Injured Children?
- How Can a Lawyer Fight For Your Injured Child?
- What Medical Injuries do Children Suffer?
- What Are Typical Childhood Injuries?
- Are Children Injured More Frequently Than Adults?
- Do Children Get Hurt More Than Adults in Hospitals?
- Can I Spank My Child?
- Do Children’s Injury Cases Normally Settle or Go To Trial?
