Reporting Child Abuse
W. Va. Code § 49-2-803 — teachers, doctors, coaches and others report within twenty-four hours
Not more than 24 hours. Medical and mental health professionals, teachers and school staff, social and child care workers, police, clergy, judges, coaches and volunteers for children's activities, and others who suspect abuse or neglect report it immediately, and not more than 24 hours after suspecting it, to the Department of Human Services.
Where the reporter believes there was serious physical abuse or sexual abuse, they also report immediately to the State Police and local law enforcement.
Reports go to a hotline that answers 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or through web based reporting that reaches a live person, and the reporter gets a case number. Reports are confidential.
Good faith is protected. Anyone who reports in good faith, or helps with an investigation, is immune from civil and criminal liability for it.
A required reporter who knowingly fails to report faces jail of not more than ninety days or a fine of not more than $5,000, and more for sexual abuse. A particular situation is a question for a licensed West Virginia attorney.
Sources for this section (4)
- W. Va. Code § 49-2-803 — Persons mandated to report suspected abuse and neglect; requirements
- W. Va. Code § 49-2-809 — Child abuse and neglect: reporting procedures
- W. Va. Code § 49-2-810 — Child abuse and neglect reporting: immunity from liability
- W. Va. Code § 49-2-812 — Failure to report child abuse or neglect; penalty
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed West Virginia attorney.