Who Has To Report It
Idaho Code § 16-1605 — anyone with reason to believe a child is abused, within twenty-four hours, and a misdemeanor for failing
Every person. Any physician, nurse, teacher, day care worker, social worker, or other person who has reason to believe a child under eighteen has been abused, abandoned or neglected, or sees a child in conditions that would reasonably result in it, reports within twenty-four hours to law enforcement or the health and welfare department.
A staff member of a hospital or similar institution notifies the person in charge, who makes the report. A duly ordained minister is excepted for a confession made directly to them under strict confidentiality.
Failing to report as the section requires is a misdemeanor, carrying up to six months and a fine of up to $1,000 where no other punishment is set.
Sources for this section (2)
- Idaho Code § 16-1605 — Reporting of abuse, abandonment or neglect
- Idaho Code § 18-113 — Punishment for misdemeanor
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Idaho attorney.