In Denver, Douglas County and across Colorado, people in certain professions who have reasonable cause to know or suspect a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect, or who have observed the child being subjected to circumstances or conditions that would reasonably result in abuse or neglect, must immediately report it to the Department of Human Services, Social Services, law enforcement or to a child abuse reporting hotline system. Child abuse or neglect can often include sexual offenses such as Sexual Assault on a Child, Incest, Internet Sexual Exploitation of a Child, or other sexual offenses involving children. Failure to report any abuse or neglect, circumstances or conditions that would result in abuse or neglect, may result in criminal charges against you, as a mandatory reporter.

Physicians, Hygienists, Pharmacists Among Mandatory Reporters in Arapahoe County, Colorado

In Arapahoe County, Aurora and across Colorado, those required to report any known or suspected child abuse, neglect or circumstances or conditions include:

1. Physicians or surgeons (including a physician in training)
2. Child health associates
3. Medical examiners or coroners
4. Dentists
5. Osteopaths
6. Optometrists
7. Chiropractors
8. Podiatrists
9. Registered nurses or licensed practical nurses
10. Hospital personnel engaged in the admission, care, or treatment of patients
11. Christian science practitioners
12. Public or private school officials or employees
13. Social workers or workers in any facilities or agencies licensed or certified pursuant to part 1 of article 26, C.R.S.
14. Mental health professionals
15. Dental hygienists
16. Psychologists
17. Physical therapists
18. Veterinarians
19. Peace officers
20. Pharmacists
21. Commercial film and photographic print processors
22. Firefighters
23. Victim's advocates
24. Licensed professional counselors
25. Licensed marriage and family therapists
26. Registered psychotherapists
27. Clergy members
28. Registered dietitians
29. Workers in the state department of human services
30. Juvenile parole and probation officers
31. Child and family investigators
32. Officers and agents of the state bureau of animal protection, and animal control officers
33. The child protection ombudsman as created in article 3.3 of this title
34. Educators providing services through a nutrition program for women, infants and children
35. Directors, coaches, assistant coaches, or athletic program personnel employed by a private sports organization or program
36. People who are registered psychologists, marriage / family therapists, or licensed professional counselors
37. Emergency medical service providers
38. Any commercial film and photographic print processors who have knowledge of or observe content displaying children in acts of sexual conduct

Failure to Report Child Abuse or Neglect in Jefferson County or Adams County is a Misdemeanor

If you fail to make a report or make a false report of child abuse or neglect in Jefferson County, Lakewood, Arvada or any other part of Colorado as a mandatory reporter, you can face class 3 misdemeanor charges. A class 3 misdemeanor can result in up to 6 months in the Jefferson County Jail and fines. You will also be liable for damages proximately caused by the abuse or neglect. If you are facing criminal charges related to the mandatory reporting requirements in Adams County, Colorado, contact the best sex crimes lawyers at the O'Malley Law Office right away. Our criminal defense attorneys have been representing clients and fighting hard for their futures for more than 25 years. Contact our firm today to schedule a free initial consultation and protect your future.

If you are working one of the above jobs in Colorado and you have witnessed a situation where sexual assault or child abuse may have occurred, be smart and exercise your right to remain silent. Then, contact the best criminal defense attorneys at the O'Malley Law Office at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.

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