Missouri Child Abuse Laws
By Natalie Moritz | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed February 26, 2025
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Missouri child abuse laws define abuse as the infliction of physical, sexual, or mental injury on a child by an adult, and neglect as the failure to provide necessary care. These crimes are felonies and carry severe penalties, including prison time. Various professionals are mandated reporters who must report suspected abuse to the Missouri Department of Social Services.
Child abuse is a serious crime in all 50 states, sometimes charged as child endangerment and/or assault and battery. Broadly defined as any type of cruelty visited upon a child, child abuse includes physical battery, mental or emotional abuse, neglect, exploitation, and sexual abuse. Most states, including Missouri, define the crime as an act or failure to act that:
- Results in imminent risk or serious harm to a child's health and welfare due to physical, emotional, or sexual abuse;
- Affects a child (under the age of 18 in Missouri);
- By a parent or caregiver who is responsible for the child's welfare.
Definitions of Child Abuse in Missouri
Missouri law defines abuse as "the infliction of physical, sexual, or mental injury against a child by any person eighteen years of age of older." The state defines neglect as "the failure to provide, by those responsible for the care, custody, and control of a child under the age of eighteen years, the care reasonable and necessary to maintain the physical and mental health of the child."
Child Abuse Penalties in Missouri
Missouri child abuse laws charge the crime as a felony with no chance of probation or parole until at least one year of prison time has been served. If a child dies as a result of injuries sustained at the hands of an abuser, the defendant may face life in prison. Corporal punishment ("including spanking administered in a reasonable manner) is not considered child abuse.
Mandated Reporting of Child Abuse in Missouri
In Missouri, adults in certain professions are required to report any signs or knowledge of child abuse. These mandatory reporters include:
- Physicians
- Nurses
- Social workers
- Teachers and childcare workers
- Police officers and law enforcement officials
- Other authority figures
To report an instance (or suspected instance) of child abuse or neglect, contact the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) at 1-800-392-3738. Mandated reporters are required by state law to identify themselves when making a report.
Chart of Missouri Child Abuse Laws
The following chart highlights the basics of Missouri child abuse laws. See FindLaw's Crimes Against Children and Child Abuse sections to learn more.
Code Section | 568.060, et seq. |
What Constitutes Abuse | Any physical injury, sexual abuse, emotional abuse inflicted on child other than by accidental means by caregiver (spanking in a reasonable manner not included). |
Charges and Sentences | Class C felony - up to 7 years in prison (but a minimum of one year); if abuse results in serious emotional or physical injury, Class B felony - between 5 and 15 years in prison; if abuse results in death of the child, Class A felony - 10 years to life in prison. |
Mandatory Reporting Required By | Physician, medical examiner, dentist, chiropractor, coroner, optometrist, nurse, hospital or clinic personnel, any other health practitioner, psychologist, social worker, mental health professional, day care center worker, juvenile officer, probation or parole officer, teacher, school official, law enforcement officer, minister |
Basis of Report of Abuse/neglect | Reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been or may be subjected to abuse or neglect or observes such conditions or circumstances that would reasonably result in abuse or neglect |
To Whom Reported | Missouri Division of Family Services |
Penalty for Failure to Report or False Reporting | Class A misdemeanor |
Note: State laws are constantly changing—contact a Missouri criminal defense attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Missouri Child Abuse Laws: Related Resources
Use the links below to learn more about child abuse and neglect in the state of Missouri.
- Missouri Law
- Official State Codes - Links to the official online statutes (laws) in all 50 states and DC.
- Child Abuse Law
- Child Abuse Defenses
- Child Abuse Penalties and Sentencing
- Child Neglect
- Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline
- Missouri Network Against Child Abuse
Get Expert Legal Representation for Your Child Abuse Case
Child abuse charges are taken very seriously and can result in the loss of your children upon conviction. If you have been charged with this crime, you will want an experienced criminal law attorney to help in your defense. Don't delay and contact an expert Missouri criminal defense attorney in your area today.
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 Missouri attorneys offer free consultations.
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