One of the most crucial and stressful moments any clergy person or camp director experiences is when someone confesses to or alleges child abuse.

The scenario often takes place after a counselor sees marks on a student or a student alleges they have been abused. Occasionally and if it is possible to be even more tragically the abuse occurs on camp. In several instances the abuser came to an altar of prayer and confessed the abuse, in one case did so in a public testimony after rising from the mourners bench.

When considering issues of child abuse and reporting there are three questions you need to ask. The answer depends on your state’s statutes. Let me be clear that this is not a moral argument for or against reporting alleged child abuse but rather a question of what you should consider under the law.

First – What is your state’s definition of “reportable” child abuse?
Second – Who is, by law, legally obligated to report in these situations?
Third – How do I report child abuse?

What is “reportable” child abuse?
The definition depends on your state. You can go onto your state’s website or contact your state’s department of child welfare. Generally the person must be or have been under the age of eighteen unless they have a mental disability in which case the age is irrelevant. The abuse may be physical, sexual, mental, emotional or neglectful behavior in the case of a parent or caregiver.

Who is legally obligated to report?
Clergy are often required to report and in some states the obligation pierces the clergy-pentinent privilege, especially in circumstances where a person confesses abuse and still has access to the abused.

School personnel, doctors, dentists, child care workers and other persons are also required to report. In Ohio camp counselors are specifically named in the statute requiring reporting of child abuse.

For example if you have a Medical Doctor who is counseling a young person at the altar and abuse is alleged they may be required to report. In some instances, by definition a camp counselor is required to report. I suggest camps prepare a manual for their youth staff which includes procedure when facing these situations.

How do I report child abuse?
Again, this differs from state to state but generally there are two acceptable ways to report. The first is to contact the state division of child welfare, division of youth and family services or other similar state agency. The second is to contact the county sheriff’s office.

Do not call and leave an anonymous tip or report if that opportunity is available. You will need a record of your compliance with the state laws. If you report via phone or give a statement to an agent of the state it is also a good idea to follow up with a letter documenting that on (x) date you made report to (x) office regarding allegations of child abuse and giving your contact information for follow up. Do not name the parties nor detail the evidence in this letter, the letter is simply to prove at a later date that you have complied with your duty to report.

Failure to Report – Potential Civil Penalties
In the states of Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin those who are required to report and fail to do so may be sued civilly for damages related to their inaction.

A Final Word
Over the past few years in our legal seminar we have addressed these situations and strategies for leadership to prevent abuse and mitigate damage once it has occurred. I encourage you to make arrangements to attend the fall conference – the program is free of charge thanks to our generous supporters. We meet together and share best practices regarding how to lead camp meeting ministries – I assure you there is no other event quite like it.