Nevada Child Abuse Laws

Nevada child abuse laws prohibit the physical, emotional, or sexual abuse of children. If a parent or caregiver abuses or neglects a child, they’ll face criminal charges and severe penalties. At a minimum, they face gross misdemeanor charges, which carry jail time and fines.

To protect children from abuse, Nevada law requires that certain third parties and professionals with access to children (such as physicians and school employees) report suspected abuse or neglect to the authorities. Nevada's Child Protective Services has statewide systems to protect the welfare of children.

People can also refer their suspicions to community-based services that assist families in preventing their entry into the child welfare system. Generally, mandated reporters and law enforcement refer complaints to a state or county agency. Most cases are referred to one of the following:

• Clark County Department of Family Services (50% of referrals)
• Washoe County Department of Social Services (32%)
• Nevada Department of Health & Human Services Division of Child & Family Services (DCFS) (18%)

Types of Child Abuse and Neglect

Law enforcement and CPS agencies receive complaints of various types of abuse and neglect against children under 18 years of age.

Nevada law considers the following as child abuse and neglect:

• Physical or mental injury of a nonaccidental nature
• Sexual abuse or exploitation (including sexual assault)
• Negligent treatment or maltreatment

"Negligent treatment or maltreatment" covers many different types of physical, mental, and emotional abuse that degrade or traumatize a child. A few examples include:

• Excessive corporal punishment
• Submitting a child to unnecessary medical care
• Exposing a minor to lewdness and lascivious behavior
• Denying a child medical treatment

Physical injuries that often lead authorities to suspect child abuse include, but are not limited to:

• Dislocation of shoulder or other body part
• Damage to internal organs
• Disfigurement
• Bruises and lacerations
• Skull fractures
• Burns

If the authorities have reasonable cause to believe a person is guilty of abuse or neglect of a child, they will arrest them and recommend criminal charges.

Child Endangerment

Not only is it against the law to abuse a child, but it's also illegal to neglect a child. According to Nevada Revised Statutes Title 15 § 200.508(2), a person commits this offense when they allow or cause a child to suffer unjustifiable pain or mental suffering due to neglect. This involves both physical neglect and emotional neglect.

Parents, guardians, and caretakers may also be guilty of child endangerment if they put a child or allow another person to put a child in danger or at great risk of harm.

An example of endangerment would be a parent who drives drunk with their children in the car. Another instance of child endangerment is when a daycare worker exposes a child to illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia.

Penalties for child endangerment vary. Charges can range from a gross misdemeanor to Category A felony. The severity of the charge typically depends on the age of the child and whether they experience substantial bodily/mental harm

Child Abuse Statutes

The following table outlines Nevada's child abuse statutes.

Need Help Reporting Child Abuse?

Many of us don't realize how prevalent child abuse is in the United States. Millions of children suffer abuse every year, and as many as five children die from abuse or neglect daily.

If you think a child is the victim of abuse or neglect, report it to local authorities as soon as possible.

Visit FindLaw's Where to Get Help for Child Abuse section for additional information on reporting abuse. There are also state child abuse resources available.

A local family law or domestic violence attorney can help with obtaining protective orders and navigating custody issues.

Facing Criminal Charges?

If you need help with a possible or existing child abuse case, consider contacting a Nevada criminal defense attorney. Especially if you are facing criminal charges. You can also visit FindLaw's Child Abuse section for more articles and information on this topic.