Child Abuse Reporting Laws for Alabama

Last Reviewed:

State and Statute: Alabama, Code §§ 26-14-1 et seq.

What Is Reportable “Abuse”: Physical, sexual, or mental abuse, sexual exploitation, neglect, or maltreatment of children under the age of 19, which is the age of majority in Alabama. [26-14-1]

Mandatory Reporters: Includes “members of the clergy as defined in Rule 505 of the Alabama Rules of Evidence,” public and private K-12 employees, mental health professionals, school teachers and officials, day care workers or employees, or any other person called upon to render aid or medical assistance to any child, “when the child is known or suspected to be a victim of child abuse.” [26-14-3(a)]

How and Where to Report: Oral report (face-to-face or via phone) followed by written report to chief of police, sheriff, or Department of Human Resources, or a duly constituted authority. [26-14-3(a)]

Timeline to Report: Immediately. [26-14-3(a)]

Clergy Privilege: “A member of the clergy shall not be required to report information gained solely in a confidential communication privileged pursuant to Rule 505 of the Alabama Rules of Evidence which communication shall continue to be privileged as provided by law.” [26-14-3(f)]

Penalty for Knowingly Failing to Report: Misdemeanor punishable by not more than six months’ imprisonment or fine of not more than $500. [26-14-13]

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

Immunity for Inaccurate Report: “Any person, firm, corporation, or official … participating in the making of a good faith report … pursuant to this chapter, or participating in a judicial proceeding resulting therefrom, shall, in so doing, be immune from any liability, civil or criminal, that might otherwise be incurred or imposed.” [26-14-9]

Disclosure of Mandatory Reporter’s Identity: Department has ability to refuse to disclose identifying information except when court orders disclosure based upon suspicion of false report. [26-14-8(f)]

Additional Information for Alabama:

All information provided here was most recently verified in March of 2025.

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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