STATE AND STATUTE: Louisiana, Children's Code Arts. 603 et seq. (originally enacted in 1964; statute language affecting what appears here most recently amended in 2017; all language verified here as of November of 2017)

WHAT IS REPORTABLE "ABUSE": Physical, sexual, or mental abuse, or neglect. [609]

MANDATORY REPORTERS: Any person who knows or has reasonable cause to believe that a child is abused. [609]

HOW AND WHERE TO REPORT: "If the alleged perpetrator is believed to be a parent or caretaker, a person who maintains an interpersonal dating or engagement relationship with the parent or caretaker, or a person living in the same residence with the parent or caretaker as a spouse whether married or not" immediately to the Department of Social Services through the designated state child protection reporting hotline (1-855-452-5437). Otherwise, immediately to a local or state law enforcement agency (dual reporting to the hotline also permitted). [610]