KENTUCKY LAW REGARDING REPORTING

State law requires that anyone who knows, or has reasonable cause to believe, that a child is abused or neglected report it to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services or law enforcement.

What if I’m not sure?

The law requires reporting when “any person knows, or has reasonable case to believe, that a child is dependent, neglected, or abused.”    You don’t have to be sure.
Failure to report is a crime. If you suspect that abuse or neglect has occurred, report it immediately. You should not investigate on your own prior to making a report.
If the report was made “in good faith,” the person who reports the suspected abuse is immune from legal liability.

What information is needed to report?

• The child’s name, gender and approximate age
• The name of the person believed to be responsible for the abuse or neglect
• A description of the injury, neglect or threatened harm to the child
• The current location of the child; day care, school or home address
• Any immediate risk to the child OR a worker going out to ensure the child’s safety (i.e. guns)
• The name of the person making the report and identifying information IF the caller wishes to give that information; anonymous reports are accepted and investigated

What is child abuse?

Physical abuse: Non-accidental physical injury

Sexual abuse: Any sexual activity involving a child and an adult

• Intimate touching, fondling, masturbation, or penetration
• Exposure to pornography
• Genital exposure, including via “sexting” or other use of technology
• Sexual exploitation, including acts related to pornography and prostitution

Neglect: Failure to provide essential protection, care, supervision, food, clothing, shelter, education or medical care necessary for the child’s health and safety – considering the child’s age

Dependency: The child is without essential protection, care, etc. not due to an intentional act by the parent