{"id":375389,"date":"2016-03-31T21:36:12","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:36:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/north-carolina-law\/north-carolina-child-abuse-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-05-15T21:03:43","modified_gmt":"2025-05-16T02:03:43","slug":"north-carolina-child-abuse-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/north-carolina-law\/north-carolina-child-abuse-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"North Carolina Child Abuse Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

North Carolina Child Abuse Laws<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

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
\n

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

\n

In North Carolina, child abuse covers physical, emotional, or sexual abuse of a minor. The crime also includes neglect, exploitation, or human trafficking of a child. The state law establishes that every person and institution who reasonably suspects child abuse, neglect, or dependency to make a report.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

North Carolina has established comprehensive laws to protect children from abuse and neglect. These statutes define what constitutes child abuse, who must report suspected cases, and what legal consequences are for those found guilty. The state balances protecting children with respecting parents’ rights to raise them according to their values and beliefs.<\/p>\r\n

If you need legal assistance related to a child abuse case, contact a North Carolina family law<\/a> or criminal defense attorney<\/a> who can help you understand your rights and responsibilities.<\/p>\r\n

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

Overview of Child Abuse Laws in North Carolina<\/h2>\r\n

The following table outlines the key statutes and reporting requirements for child abuse in North Carolina.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Code sections<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Who must report?<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Any person who has "cause to suspect<\/a>" that a child is abused, neglected, dependent, or has died because of maltreatment must make a report.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

How to report<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Contact North Carolina Child Protective Services<\/a> (CPS) in the county where the child lives or is found. Reports can be made orally, by telephone, or in writing. For emergencies, call 911.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Penalty for failure to report<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Knowingly or wantonly failing to report, or preventing someone else from reporting, is a Class 1 misdemeanor<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

What is Considered Child Abuse and Neglect?<\/h2>\r\n

North Carolina’s General Statutes provide detailed definitions of acts that constitute child abuse and neglect. Understanding these legal definitions is important in determining when intervention is needed. It helps protect children from abuse and neglect while respecting parental rights.<\/p>\r\n

Child Abuse<\/h3>\r\n

North Carolina law<\/a> defines child abuse as when a parent, guardian, custodian, or caretaker commits any of the following on a juvenile:<\/p>\r\n