Louisiana Child Abuse Laws
By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D. | Legally reviewed by Jordan Walker, J.D. | Last reviewed July 01, 2025
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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’s welfare.
Louisiana has no tolerance for child abusers. Laws are in place to defend children and exact harsh punishments from those would harm them.
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. They can help protect your rights and understand your duties under the state law.
This article provides an overview of Louisiana's child abuse laws that includes definitions, reporting requirements, and penalties.
Overview of Child Abuse Laws in Louisiana
The following table outlines the basic structure of Louisiana's child abuse statutes:
Louisiana Child Abuse Code Sections |
Louisiana Laws
|
---|---|
What Constitutes Child Abuse Under Louisiana Law |
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:
|
Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse Under Louisiana Law |
The following professions are required by law to report any incidents or suspected incidents of child abuse:
|
Where To Report Child Abuse in Louisiana |
Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) or a local law enforcement agency, depending on the suspected perpetrator. |
Penalty for Failure To Report or False Reporting of Child Abuse in Louisiana |
Note that the court may impose both fines and imprisonment in most cases. |
What Constitutes Child Abuse and Neglect in Louisiana
Louisiana Children's Code and Louisiana Revised Statutes contain the provisions defining what constitutes child abuse and neglect, who are the mandatory reporters, and the penalties for those who commit this crime.
Child Abuse
Louisiana Children's Code (CHC) defines child abuse as actions that pose serious risks to the child's physical, emotional, or mental wellbeing. The state also recognizes several categories of abusive behavior that constitute child abuse:
- The child suffers from physical abuse or psychological harm. The act constitutes child abuse, whether directly inflicted, attempted, or permitted, through inadequate supervision. It applies regardless of whether the perpetrator is a parent or another individual.
- The child is used for economic exploitation, including forcing the child to overwork. It also includes commercial sexual exploitation of the child.
- Involving the child in any sexual activity with a parent or any other person. This category also includes the following:
- Any sexual act with any other person
- Pornographic displays
- Any sexual activity constitutes a crime under the laws of this state.
- A coerced abortion conducted upon a child
- Female genital mutilation of a child or a sister of the child
The state of Louisiana also creates a presumption that the pregnancy of a child under 13 years old is enough to establish grounds to investigate whether child abuse occurred.
Child Neglect
The CHC article 603 defines neglect as when a parent or a caregiver fails to provide for the child's basic needs and exposes the child's well-being to substantial risk. The law listed the following as the basic needs of the child:
- Food, clothing, or shelter
- Care, treatment, or counseling for any injury, illness, or condition
- Medical attention or remedial care
- Prenatal neglect
The law provides exemptions. If the parent or caretaker fails to provide for the child because of financial hardship or inadequate financial resources, the law does not consider it child neglect.
Louisiana law also respects religious methods of healing. It acknowledges that some families follow well-recognized religious methods of healing. Following this method of healing alone is not an automatic ground for child neglect. However, the law still places certain limitations. The court can order medical services for the child when the child faces a substantial risk of harm due to lack of established medical attention.
Penalties for Child Abuse and Neglect in Louisiana
Louisiana Revised Statutes imposes severe penalties on individuals who commit child abuse or neglect. The penalties vary depending on the severity and nature of the criminal offense.
Cruelty to Juveniles
The crime of cruelty to juveniles occurs when a person intentionally or through criminal negligence mistreats or neglects a child, causing unjustifiable pain or suffering. This offense is punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment with or without hard labor, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
Second-Degree Cruelty to Juveniles
More severe cases fall under second-degree cruelty to juveniles. Second-degree cruelty to juveniles is the intentional or criminally negligent mistreatment or neglect that causes serious bodily injury or neurological impairment. This offense carries a penalty of up to 40 years imprisonment with hard labor.
Child Desertion
Child desertion involves intentionally abandoning a child under 10 years of age in a place where the child may be exposed to danger or hazard. This law punishes this offense by up to six months imprisonment, a fine of up to $500, or both.
Sexual Abuse of Children
The state has particularly severe penalties for sexual abuse of children. The court may impose felony charges for sexual abuse of children or repeated offenses. This conviction could result in five to 40 years of imprisonment.
Mandatory Reporting Requirements
Louisiana Children's Code Art. 603 identifies mandatory reporters. These reporters are ones who, in their professional capacity, are legally required to report child abuse or neglect:
- Health practitioners (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)
- Mental health and social service practitioners
- Members of the clergy (except for confidential communications as defined in the Code of Evidence Article 511)
- Teachers and childcare providers
- Police officers and law enforcement officials
- Commercial film and photographic print processors
Reporting Procedures
Under Louisiana Children's Code Article 610, reporters must immediately report suspected child abuse or neglect. The reporting procedure varies based on the suspected perpetrator:
- If the suspected abuser is a parent, caretaker, person in a dating relationship with the parent or caretaker, or person living in the same residence with the parent or caretaker as a spouse, report to the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)
- If the suspected abuser is someone other than these individuals, report to local or state law enforcement
- Abuse perpetrated on a student by a teaching or childcare provider must be immediately reported to local or state law enforcement
- The law permits dual reporting to both DCFS and law enforcement
Mandatory reporters must report cases requiring immediate assistance via the state child protection reporting hotline (1-855-4LA-KIDS or 1-855-452-5437). Non-emergency reports may be filed online through the Louisiana DCFS Mandated Reporter Portal.
The law also mandates that if the reporter made the initial report orally, they should follow up with a written report within five days. They can file the written report online through the Mandated Reporter Portal or by mail to the department's intake unit.
Penalties for Failure To Report
Louisiana law imposes significant penalties on mandatory reporters who fail to report suspected child abuse. These penalties vary based on the severity of the abuse:
- For a person who has cause to believe that the physical or mental health of the child is in danger and fails to file the report: The court may impose a fine of up to $500, imprisonment of up to six months, or both.
- For a person who failed to report sexual abuse, child neglect, or child abuse that caused serious bodily injury, neurological impairment, or death of the child: The court may impose a fine of up to $3,000, imprisonment for up to three years, or both.
- For persons 18 years old and above who witnessed sexual abuse of a child and willfully and knowingly did not report the incident to law enforcement or the DCFS: The court may impose a fine of up to $10,000, imprisonment of up to five years, or both.
Where To Find Help
If you suspect that a child is experiencing abuse or neglect, you can contact the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services' child abuse hotline at 1-855-4LA-KIDS (1-855-452-5437). This hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For emergencies, call 911 or contact your local law enforcement agency.
For legal advice related to child abuse cases, contact a Louisiana family law or criminal defense attorney to get help navigating these complex legal matters.
Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?
- Complex criminal defense situations usually require a lawyer
- Defense attorneys can help protect your rights
- A lawyer can seek to reduce or eliminate criminal penalties
Get tailored advice and ask your legal questions. Many Louisiana attorneys offer free consultations.
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