Child Abuse Reporting Laws for Kansas

Last Reviewed:

State and Statute: Kansas, Stats. §§ 38-2223 et seq.

What Is Reportable “Abuse”: Physical, mental, or emotional abuse, neglect, or sexual abuse. [38-2223]

Mandatory Reporters: Includes teachers, school administrators, other employees of a school, licensed counselors, or employees of licensed child care facilities. [38-2223(a)]

How and Where to Report: Orally (followed by a written report if requested) to the secretary for the Department for Children and Families, or to the appropriate law enforcement agency if after business hours. [38-2223(b)(c)(1)] The state provides a 24-hour, toll-free hotline (1-800-922-5330) and also makes an online form for mandated reporters available: https://hssksprod.wellsky.com/assessments/?WebIntake=6DE2CE6E-A39F-40D3-8413-55614A7AE06E

Timeline to Report: Promptly [38-2223(a)]

Clergy Privilege: No reference.

Penalty for Knowingly Failing to Report: “It is not a defense that another mandatory reporter made a report.” Class B misdemeanor [38-2223(a)]

Civil Liability for Failure to Report Recognized? No statute recognizes civil liability. Consult with legal counsel to ensure no recent court decisions in Kansas have recognized civil liability.

Immunity for Inaccurate Report: “Anyone who, without malice, participates in the making of a report to the secretary or a law enforcement agency … shall have immunity from any civil liability that might otherwise be incurred or imposed.” [38-2223(f)]

Disclosure of Mandatory Reporter’s Identity: “The records identified in this section shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed” [38-2209]

Additional Information for Kansas:

All information provided here was most recently verified in March of 2023.

This content is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional service. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought. "From a Declaration of Principles jointly adopted by a Committee of the American Bar Association and a Committee of Publishers and Associations." Due to the nature of the U.S. legal system, laws and regulations constantly change. The editors encourage readers to carefully search the site for all content related to the topic of interest and consult qualified local counsel to verify the status of specific statutes, laws, regulations, and precedential court holdings.

This content is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional service. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought. "From a Declaration of Principles jointly adopted by a Committee of the American Bar Association and a Committee of Publishers and Associations." Due to the nature of the U.S. legal system, laws and regulations constantly change. The editors encourage readers to carefully search the site for all content related to the topic of interest and consult qualified local counsel to verify the status of specific statutes, laws, regulations, and precedential court holdings.

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