North Dakota Child Abuse Laws
By Natalie Moritz | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed March 10, 2025
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North Dakota child abuse laws aim to protect children from harm and ensure their safety and well-being. These laws define child abuse as any action (or inaction) by an adult—often a family member—that jeopardizes a minor's health or welfare. This includes physical or sexual abuse and neglect.
North Dakota Century Code (NDCC) Chapter 50-25.1 outlines the state’s legal framework for child abuse and neglect. These statutes govern:
- Definitions of abuse and neglect
- Mandated reporting procedures
- The child abuse investigation processes
- How state services protect children and address situations of abuse or neglect in families
- And more
Interpreting child abuse and neglect statutes can be confusing. Contact a North Dakota criminal defense attorney if you need clarification or guidance.
This article details child abuse and neglect laws in North Dakota. Learn about definitions, reporting, and penalties at a glance. The chart provided also contains links to full statutes.
Reporting Requirements: Who is a Mandatory Reporter in North Dakota?
State mandatory reporting laws require certain individuals with close or regular access to children to report any credible suspicions of child abuse to the authorities.
North Dakota law designates certain professionals with knowledge of suspected child abuse or neglect to report to the appropriate department. Mandated reporters in North Dakota include:
- Healthcare workers (this even includes optometrists, dental hygienists, and medical examiners)
- Mental health professionals
- Clergy members, religious leaders, and practitioners of healing arts
- School teachers, principals, and other... educational professionals
- Law enforcement
- Social workers and other social services workers
- Childcare workers
See the statute for a full list of mandated reporters.
To make a report, call the Child Abuse & Neglect Reporting Line at 1-833-958-3500. The state also provides an online form. If you use the online form, you must fax it to the ND Child Protection Services Central Intake Unit at 701-328-0361 or drop it off at the human service zone office in the county where the child lives.
What Happens After a Child Abuse Report in North Dakota?
The North Dakota Department of Human Services investigates reports of abuse. It has service locations throughout the state.
After a report, child protective services professionals gather information and facts. Then, local child protective services workers assess and act on the report.
Under North Dakota law, the name of the person who made the report is confidential.
North Dakota Child Abuse Laws at a Glance
The following table provides an overview of child abuse laws in North Dakota and links to relevant statutes.
Note: State laws are always subject to change at any time through the enactment of new legislation, voter-approved ballot initiatives, or other means. Contact a North Dakota criminal defense attorney or family law attorney—or conduct your own legal research—to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Code Section | NDCC 50-25.1, et seq. |
What Constitutes Abuse |
Suffering from serious physical harm or traumatic abuse caused other than by accidental means including sexual abuse, assault, exploitation, corruption, or solicitation The statute’s definition of abuse and neglect also includes:
|
Responsibility for the Child |
North Dakota law specifies who is responsible for the child’s welfare, care, and supervision. Persons responsible for the child include:
|
Grounds for Placing Child in Protective Custody |
Any physician examining a child with respect to whom abuse or neglect is known or suspected, after reasonable attempts to advise the parents, guardian, or other person having responsibility for the care of the child that the physician suspects has been abused or neglected, may keep the child in the custody of the hospital or medical facility for not to exceed 96 hours. They must also immediately notify the juvenile court and the department in order that child protective proceedings may be instituted. |
Child Abuse Charge Classifications and Penalties |
|
Mandatory Reporting Required By |
Physician, nurse, dentist, optometrist, coroner, medical or mental health professional, religious practitioner, school teacher/administrator, social worker, daycare center worker, police/law enforcement officer, addiction counselor, school counselor, member of the clergy |
Basis of Report of Abuse or Neglect |
Having knowledge or reasonable cause to suspect that a child is abused or neglected or has died as a result of abuse or neglect |
To Whom Reported |
Make reports to the Department of Human Services or its designee. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911. |
Penalty for Failure to Report or False Reporting |
Class B misdemeanor; unless made to law enforcement officer, then Class A misdemeanor; willfully make false report, also liable for all civil damages including exemplary damages |
Learn More: North Dakota Child Abuse Laws and Resources
Use the links below to learn more about North Dakota child abuse laws and find related resources.
- North Dakota Law
- North Dakota Family Laws
- Child Abuse Defenses
- Child Abuse Penalties and Sentencing
- Child Neglect
- Find a Family Law Attorney
- Childhelp National Abuse Hotline (hotline 1-800-422-4453)
- North Dakota Child Protection Program
Child Abuse Issue in North Dakota? Get Legal Help
Child abuse, neglect, and sexual exploitation are serious crimes. If you are facing issues related to child abuse in North Dakota, it's crucial to seek professional legal guidance. You can also face serious criminal penalties for not reporting suspected abuse or neglect.
Contact a criminal defense attorney in your area to understand your legal rights and options.
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 North Dakota attorneys offer free consultations.
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