Reporting Child Abuse
Ala. Code § 26-14-3 — an oral report at once, a written one within 72 hours, and immunity for a good faith report
Hospitals, doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, school teachers, officials and employees, college employees, day care workers, social workers, mental health professionals, police, clergy, and anyone called on to give a child aid or medical help report suspected abuse or neglect orally to law enforcement or the Department of Human Resources immediately, and in writing within 72 hours.
Who handles this in Alabama: legal aid programs, lawyer referral and the state offices, listed in the Alabama directory.
The duty arises on knowing or suspecting abuse or neglect, on a report from someone else, or on information that would lead a reasonable person to suspect it.
Immunity. Anyone who takes part in making a good faith report, an investigation, or a court case that follows is immune from civil and criminal liability for doing so.
Sources for this section (2)
- Ala. Code § 26-14-3 — Mandatory Reporting
- Ala. Code § 26-14-9 — Immunity from Liability for Actions Under Chapter
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Alabama attorney.