Vermont Child Abuse Laws
By Christie Nicholson, J.D. | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq. | Last reviewed February 19, 2025
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Child abuse in Vermont is broadly defined to include any act or neglect that risks or causes harm to a child's physical or emotional well-being. The state requires certain professionals, such as doctors and teachers, to report any suspected abuse. The state ensures the protection of reporters acting in good faith from legal repercussions but imposes penalties for failure to report.
Every state has laws that prohibit the abuse and neglect of a child. The state takes reports of child abuse seriously, and lawmakers have implemented severe penalties for this behavior.
One major hurdle to stopping child abuse is the difficulty of uncovering it. Toward that end, Vermont law, like the law in most states, requires certain people to report suspected child abuse.
If the state believes that a child is at risk of serious physical injury, it may remove the child from their home and initiate an investigation. This may mean the child lives in a foster home while the investigation takes place. Or the human services personnel may allow a relative to care for the child until the investigation is complete.
Here, we will explain how the child abuse reporting laws work in Vermont. We will also discuss the people who are required to report suspected child abuse and neglect under the mandatory reporting laws.
Mandatory Reporters in Vermont
Vermont law requires doctors, teachers, health care professionals, school officials, daycare workers, camp counselors, and law enforcement officers to report suspected cases of child abuse. This includes suspected physical, psychological, and sexual abuse.
State law also requires members of the clergy to report suspected cases of abuse. Normally, the law provides an exception for information the clergy gains through religious practices (i.e. confession). However, members of the clergy and suspected abusers cannot claim this privilege to prevent disclosure of child abuse.
What if You Aren’t Sure Child Abuse is Occurring?
Vermont provides limited protection to people reporting abuse. Good faith reporters are immune from civil liability or criminal liability that might arise from reporting suspected abuse to the authorities.
Failure to report, on the other hand, can result in fines and even jail time.
Reports of abuse are mostly anonymous, but that anonymity may disappear should the case go to trial.
Child Abuse Laws in Vermont
The table below outlines the important aspects of child abuse laws in Vermont.
Code Sections |
Vermont Statutes Annotated (V.S.A.) Tit. 33, § 4913, et. seq. |
What constitutes abuse? |
Abuse includes any behavior that harms a child or puts a child at risk of harm. This includes injury to the child’s physical health, emotional health, or overall well-being. This includes acts (abuse) and omissions (neglect). Maltreatment also includes sexual abuse, sexual assault, lascivious conduct, abandonment, and emotional mistreatment. Essentially, any behavior that threatens a child’s welfare may constitute abuse and/or neglect. Abuse can occur in the child’s home, school, relative’s home, or other premises. |
Mandatory reporters |
Vermont law requires certain people to report suspected child abuse, child neglect, and child endangerment. These people are called “mandatory reporters.” The following individuals qualify as mandated reporters in the State of Vermont:
Under state law, other people may report when there's reasonable cause to suspect child abuse. They can report suspected abuse or maltreatment to law enforcement or the Department for Children and Families (DCF). These reports become part of the Vermont Child Protection Registry. |
Basis for reporting abuse or neglect |
Anybody who has reasonable cause to believe someone is abusing or neglecting a child should report the behavior. This is true whether the suspected abuser is the child’s parent, foster parent, or any other legal guardian. |
Where to submit a report |
|
Penalty for failing to report or making a false report |
Generally, failure to report abuse results in a fine of up to $500. However, failing to report with the intent to conceal abuse or neglect is punishable by up to six months in prison and a $1,000 fine. |
Contact an Experienced Vermont Criminal Defense Attorney for Help
If you’re facing child abuse charges, you should consult an experienced Vermont criminal defense attorney. Not only will you face criminal penalties, but a charge of abuse or neglect will impact your personal and professional lives.
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 Vermont attorneys offer free consultations.
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