Colorado Child Abuse Laws

By Natalie Moritz | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed February 27, 2025

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Colorado child abuse laws strictly prohibit any form of sexual, emotional, or physical abuse of children by an adult in a position of trust. The statutes also mandate certain professionals to report any suspected abuse or neglect.

This article details child abuse and neglect laws in Colorado. Learn how the state defines child abuse, mandated reporting, penalties, and more.

How Does Colorado Define Child Abuse?

Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS) includes specific sections outlining the definitions of abuse and the requirements for mandatory reporting:

  • Criminal Code 18-6-401 Child abuse—definition
  • Children’s Code 19-3-304 Persons required to report child abuse or neglect

In summary, Colorado law defines child abuse as:

  • Causing injury to a child's life or health;
  • Placing a child in a situation that threatens injury;
  • Female genital mutilation;
  • Committing a continued pattern of acts of domestic violence in the presence of the child;
  • Knowingly engaging in or allowing a child's presence where controlled substances are manufactured; or
  • Engaging in a pattern of conduct resulting in malnourishment, inadequate medical care, cruel punishment, mistreatment, or accumulation of injuries.

Colorado law defines a child as someone under 16 years of age.

How To Report Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect in Colorado

To protect children from abuse, Colorado's child abuse statutes require certain third parties and professionals with access to children (including physicians and school employees) to report suspicion or knowledge of abuse to the authorities. See the statute for the full list of mandated reporters.

You can report suspected abuse to the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-844-CO-4-KIDS. You can also report to the county department or local law enforcement agency.

Colorado's Department of Human Services—Child and Family Services Department has statewide systems to protect the welfare of children.

Overview of Colorado Child Abuse Laws

The following table outlines some of Colorado's child abuse statutes.

Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.

Code Section

CRS Section 18-6-401 (child abuse)

CRS Section 18-6-403 (sexual exploitation of a child)

CRS Section 19-3-304 (persons required to report child abuse or neglect)

CRS Section 19-3-307 (reporting procedures)

Colorado Senate Bill 49 (statute of limitations) 
What Constitutes Abuse?

Act or omission where child subject to sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, emotional abuse or prostitution; where child is in need of food, clothing, shelter, medical care or supervision because child’s parent or legal guardian fails to do so; where child exhibits evidence of skin bruising, bleeding, malnutrition, burns, fractures, etc.; or circumstances indicate a condition that may not be the product of an accidental occurrence
Child Abuse and Neglect: Classifications Charge classifications range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the severity of the offense. See subsection 7 of CRS 18-6-401 for details on the classifications associated with varying degrees of injury or risk and prior convictions.
Mandatory Reporting Required By

Physicians, child health associate, dentist, chiropractor, nurse, hospital personnel, school employee, social worker, mental health professional, veterinarian, peace officer, pharmacist, psychologist, fireman, victim's advocate, commercial film and photographic print processor, clergyman
Basis of Report of Abuse/Neglect

Reasonable cause to know or suspect that a child is subject to circumstances or conditions which would reasonably result in abuse or neglect
Statute of Limitations The suit for failure to report must be brought within three years after the commission of the offense. 
To Whom Reported?

Report suspected abuse to the county or district Department of Social Services or local law enforcement agency. You can also report to the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-844-CO-4-KIDS.
Penalty for Failure to Report or False Reporting

Willful violation: Class 3 misdemeanor plus liability for proximately caused damages

Colorado Child Abuse Laws and Related Resources

Child abuse can have devastating physical and emotional effects. If you think a child is being abused, you should report child abuse cases to the authorities as soon as possible.

For additional resources, see the articles below:

Facing Criminal Charges for Child Abuse in Colorado? Get Legal Help

Preserving the safety and well-being of children is imperative. But if you've been accused of committing child abuse, it's also important to remember that you're innocent unless the prosecution can prove its case against you beyond a reasonable doubt—a very high standard.

If you've been charged under Colorado child abuse laws—especially felony child abuse—it’s crucial to reach out to a local criminal defense attorney. This is also true if you’ve been charged with a crime for failure to report suspected abuse as a mandated reporter. A criminal defense lawyer can explain your options and advocate for your best interests throughout your criminal case.

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