{"id":376414,"date":"2016-03-31T21:36:48","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:36:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/tennessee-law\/tennessee-child-abuse-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-07-07T14:31:28","modified_gmt":"2025-07-07T19:31:28","slug":"tennessee-child-abuse-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/tennessee-law\/tennessee-child-abuse-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Tennessee Child Abuse Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Tennessee 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

Tennessee child abuse laws are designed to protect minors from harm by defining abuse, neglect, and endangerment. Child abuse involves intentional harm, while neglect is the failure to provide essential child care. Endangerment occurs when a child\u2019s safety is exposed to harmful situations. Tennessee laws require mandatory reporting of suspected cases and outline penalties based on severity. Contact the Tennessee Department of Children\u2019s Services or a Tennessee attorney for guidance on reporting abuse or if you\u2019re involved in a case.<\/i><\/blockquote>\r\n

This article provides an overview of Tennessee child abuse laws, including definitions, reporting requirements, and penalties.<\/p>\r\n

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

The following table outlines the criminal child abuse laws<\/a> and mandatory reporting requirements in Tennessee:<\/p>\r\n\r\n

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

Tennessee Codes<\/b><\/p>\r\n

When To Report Child Abuse Under Tennessee Law<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Any person who has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been abused or neglected must report it.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

How To Report Child Abuse in Tennessee<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Call the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services Child Abuse Hotline<\/a> at 1-877-237-0004. You can also make a report online through the DCS website<\/a> or contact local law enforcement. For emergencies, call 911.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Penalty for Failure To Report Child Abuse in Tennessee<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Failure to report<\/a> is a Class A misdemeanor. It can result in up to three months of jail time, a fine, or both. However, those who file a report in good faith are not liable for civil or criminal penalties. The reporter can file the report anonymously.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Penalties for Child Abuse and Neglect in Tennessee<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

The authorized terms of fines and imprisonment<\/a> for felonies and misdemeanors are:<\/p>\r\n