{"id":373626,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:24","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/louisiana-law\/louisiana-child-abuse-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-07-01T12:22:30","modified_gmt":"2025-07-01T17:22:30","slug":"louisiana-child-abuse-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/louisiana-law\/louisiana-child-abuse-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Louisiana Child Abuse Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Louisiana Child Abuse Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Jordan Walker, J.D.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Child abuse laws in Louisiana prohibit physical, emotional, and sexual harm to minor children and outline strict reporting and penalty structures. The laws define child abuse as any act that endangers a child’s well-being, including physical harm, exploitation, or sexual abuse. Mandatory reporters, like health practitioners and teachers, must report suspected abuse to authorities. Failure to report can result in fines or imprisonment. The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) coordinates efforts to protect children\u2019s welfare.<\/i><\/blockquote>\r\n

Louisiana has no tolerance for child abusers. Laws are in place to defend children and exact harsh punishments from those would harm them.<\/p>\r\n

Those aware of child abuse occurring should notify law enforcement as quickly as possible. If you are facing allegations of child abuse or neglect, contact a Louisiana criminal law attorney<\/a>. They can help protect your rights and understand your duties under the state law.<\/p>\r\n

This article provides an overview of Louisiana’s child abuse laws that includes definitions, reporting requirements, and penalties.<\/p>\r\n

Overview of Child Abuse Laws in Louisiana<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

The following table outlines the basic structure of Louisiana’s child abuse statutes:<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Louisiana Child Abuse Code Sections<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Louisiana Laws<\/b><\/p>\r\n

What Constitutes Child Abuse Under Louisiana Law<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Acts that seriously endanger the physical, mental, or emotional health and safety of a child are considered child abuse. This includes any of the following:<\/p>\r\n

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  • Infliction or attempted infliction of physical or mental injury<\/li>\r\n
  • Exploitation or overwork of a child<\/li>\r\n
  • Sexual abuse or involvement in any sexual act, pornographic displays, or female genital mutilation<\/li>\r\n
  • Creating conditions that harm a child’s welfare<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse Under Louisiana Law<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

The following professions are required by law to report any incidents or suspected incidents of child abuse:<\/p>\r\n

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  • Health practitioners that include: physicians, surgeons, physical therapists, dentists, residents, interns, hospital staff, outpatient abortion facility staff, podiatrists, chiropractors, licensed nurses, nursing aides, dental hygienists, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, optometrists, medical examiners, and coroners<\/li>\r\n
  • Mental health and social service practitioners<\/li>\r\n
  • Members of the clergy, except for confidential communications as defined in the Code of Evidence Article 511<\/li>\r\n
  • Teachers and childcare providers<\/li>\r\n
  • Police officers and law enforcement officials<\/li>\r\n
  • Commercial film and photographic print processors<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Where To Report Child Abuse in Louisiana<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)<\/a> or a local law enforcement agency, depending on the suspected perpetrator.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Penalty for Failure To Report or False Reporting of Child Abuse in Louisiana<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n