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What is Child Abuse? Child abuse and neglect is the physical or mental injury, sexual abuse or exploitation, negligent treatment, or maltreatment of a child under the age of 18 by a person responsible for the child's welfare, which may harm or threaten the child's health or well-being. Child abuse, contrary to popular belief, occurs in all cultural, ethnic, occupational and socio-economic groups. Data accumulated from the cases reported to the Alabama Department of Human Resources Central Registry indicates that women and men abuse children in virtually equal numbers. Of the abuse cases reported, approximately 25% are cases of physical abuse, 14% sexual abuse, 10% emotional maltreatment, and 50% neglect. Who is Required to Report? Alabama law requires that "All hospitals, clinic, sanitariums, doctors, physicians, surgeons, medical examiners, coroners, osteopaths, optometrists, chiropractors, podiatrists, nurses, school teachers and officials, peace officers, law enforcement officials, pharmacists, social workers, day care workers or employees, mental health professionals, or any other person called upon to render aid or medical assistance to any child, when such child is known or suspected to be a victim of child abuse or neglect..." Everyone who comes in contact with children should report suspected child abuse and neglect. Anyone may make a report. In an effort to insure reports are made Alabama law provides criminal penalties for certain professionals and law persons who do not make reports to the proper authorities. Alabama law also provides immunity from civil or criminal suit to anyone who reports child abuse or neglect, or who participates in the judicial process, or in the process of removing a child from an abusive or neglectful environment. In Alabama the Department of Human Resources, in the county where the abuse occurs, investigates all reports. Reports May Be Made Anonymously! What are penalties for not making reports? Failure to make required report is a misdemeanor punishable by six months in jail or a $500 fine, or both. Additionally, one may face civil liabilities. How to report child abuse and neglect. Call your local Department of Human Resources (in Houston County the number is 334-677-0400) and be prepared to give the following information:
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