Child Abuse Reporting Laws for Oklahoma

Last Reviewed:

State and Statute: Oklahoma, Stats. title 10A, §§ 1-2-101 et seq.

What Is Reportable “Abuse”: Physical, sexual, or mental abuse, neglect, or sexual exploitation by a person responsible for the child’s health or welfare (includes a parent; legal guardian; custodian; foster parent; owner, operator, or employee of a child care facility). [1-2-101(B)(1) and 1-1-105(2)]

Mandatory Reporters: “Every person having reason to believe that a child under the age of eighteen (18) years is a victim of abuse or neglect.” [1-2-101(B)(1)]

How and Where to Report: Via telephone to the county office of the Department of Human Services and/or the state’s 24-hour, toll-free hotline (1-800-522-3511). [1-2-101(B)(1)]

Timeline to Report: Immediately. [1-2-101(B)(1)]

Clergy Privilege: “No privilege or contract shall relieve any person from the requirement of reporting pursuant to this section.” [1-2-101(B)(4)]

Penalty for Knowingly Failing to Report: Misdemeanor. However, failing to report abuse known for six months or longer is a felony. [1-2-101(C)]

Civil Liability for Failure to Report Recognized? No statute recognizes civil liability for a private party. The Attorney General, district attorneys, and other law enforcement officials having jurisdiction “shall have the authority to bring civil actions against any person … to enforce the provisions of the Oklahoma Children’s Code.” [1-1-104]. Consult with legal counsel to ensure no recent court decisions in Oklahoma have recognized civil liability through a lawsuit brought by a private party.

Immunity for Inaccurate Report: “Any person who, in good faith and exercising due care, reports suspected child abuse or neglect … shall have immunity from any liability, civil or criminal, that might otherwise be incurred or imposed. … The good faith of any person in making a report … shall be presumed.” [1-2-104(A)(B)]

Knowingly and willfully making a false report is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 plus reasonable attorney fees. [1-2-101(D)(2)]

Disclosure of Mandatory Reporter’s Identity: Statutory provisions for disclosure shall not be construed as authorizing disclosure of reporter’s identity unless specifically ordered by the court. The department shall redact reporter’s identifying information for court-ordered disclosures unless otherwise ordered by the court. [1-2-101(A)(5)] Statutory notice to alleged perpetrator must include language indicating reporter’s identity is confidential and may not even be known to department. [1-2-106(2)] Release of data by department shall not include reporter’s identity, absent court order authorizing release for good cause shown. [1-2-107] and [1-2-108]

Additional Information for Oklahoma:

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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