Is it mandatory to report child abuse if the child is now over age 18? Please leave a link.?

Answer 1

If the "child" is over 18, then they're no longer a child. The exception being someone mentally hanicapped. In that case absolutely. Can you imagine being abused and not being able to tell someone that could do something about it?

Answer 2

Unfortunately, no...and even then only mandatory if the person is a "mandatory reporter" (i.e. nurses, doctors, counselors, social workers) and only if the child is under 18.

It is, however, the spiritual duty of everyone. We all know that 18 is still a child in many ways, but the law doesn't see it like that. I would call the authorities immediately and see if the child can be placed under legal guardianship. If there is a mental or physical disability (including depression, etc.) that the child suffers from perhaps they would react more quickly - I hate to say it, but it's true. Seems like you must know the 18 year-old if you know their age.

A couple of links:
http://www.mnea.org/legal/child%20abuse.htm
http://cfsa.dc.gov/cfsa/cwp/view,a,3,q,520712.a

As the child is considered a legal adult, the parents can still be liable for assault and battery. DSS does not take cases of children over the age of 18, but may be able to direct you to a better source. Call 911 first. There is no other way to make it stop right now. This is a good place to begin helping in my state - http://www.childabusenetwork.org/html/ghelp_report.htm , and while I believe the numbers are different all over perhaps they can direct you (or the person in the reporting situation) to help in whatever area you live in. Check out Dep't of Soc. Services in your state too.

Good luck. This child absolutely needs someone to help him or her. You can remain anonymous, but you really, really need to call (911 first).

Best of luck.

Answer 3

I would say that even if the child is 18 you should report it. A child is not legal until 21 years of age. at that point they are then called adults. There are programs that the social worker would take put them into and it is to help them prepare for leaving alone in there own apartment and help them find a job. These things are good when they are being abused and need to get out the home. You should look up you local Department of Social services (DSS)and get that person help. Good Luck And I am going to add that there are many forms of abuse, And sometimes a child being abused for a long period doesn't really acknowledge that they are being abused.

Answer 4

No. It is better to let someone over the age of 18 make their own life decisions, including whether to report current or past abuse. If the abuse is current, they can end it simply by leaving home.

Answer 5

All right, I'll bite and answer the troll question seriously. While there is no direct substitute for meat protein, you can still get all the nutrients you need and be perfectly healthy without it. I guess you haven't seen very many vegans. They don't have sunken eyes. They are usually very conscious of what they eat, and end up eating much healthier than your average omnivore. As long as the parents feed their children enough nutritionally balanced food, they can feed their kid whatever they want, with whatever food restrictions they want. Vegan, kosher, Halal, whatever. Here's a question: should parents who only feed their kids junk food and pizza be charged with child abuse for depriving them of healthy nutrition? Have you ever seen a healthy kid who only ate Dr. Pepper and chicken strips? They're obese and have no energy. They look unhealthy.

Answer 6

I didn't search a link for you but I am going to say probably not since the "child" is now an adult in the law's eyes. Maybe call your county social workers and ask. Couldn't hurt, and then you know you fullfilled your legal ethics required.

Answer 7

There is a statute of limitations regarding the reporting of certain crimes, but you should ask yourself, "why is it that I want to tell?" Are you just trying to stir up a whole lot of garbage and drama to satisy your own needs?? Let the 18 year old make their own decision as to whether or not they feel the need to report their own abuse (unless they are continuing to be abused). In my state, it is necessary to report any and all types of abuse regarding the children and the elderly.

Answer 8

It depends, if it happened before the child reached adult age, then it can be reported, because with the law a crime, even if it happen 50 years ago, can still be pursued.

Answer 9

It is not child abuse if the person is an adult....geez. If an adult is being abused call the cops.

Answer 10

if the 18 y/o is mentally or physically challenged then call the police.