Child Abuse Reporting Laws for Maryland

State and Statute: Maryland, Family Code §§ 5-701 et seq.

What Is Reportable "Abuse": Physical or mental injury, or sexual abuse, “whether physical injuries are sustained or not.” [5-701(b)(1)(2)]

Mandatory Reporters: Any person. [5-705]

How and Where to Report: Oral or written report to the local Department of Social Services or law enforcement agency. [5-705(a)(c)]

Timeline to Report: “Reporting abuse or neglect by health practitioner, police officer, educator or human service worker shall notify as soon as possible.” [5-704(b)]

For all other persons, no specific deadline stated [5-705]

An individual with a child care institution, school, or similar institution who believes a child is in hte presece of “a parent, guardian, or caregiver” or “in the regular presence” of another individual who is a registered sex offender and “poses ...