(Ogden UT, 8/18/22) The State of Utah’s child abuse reporting law mandates who must report— not who can’t. When made in good faith, a report of child abuse or suspected child abuse is always legal.
“Keeping children safe is the responsibility of the entire community. Many denominations choose to report abuse even where Utah law does not require it.”, Laurieann Thorpe, Executive Director, Prevent Child Abuse Utah.
Prevent Child Abuse Utah invites all religious organizations to review their canon law, church doctrines and practices and change any that suggest clergy or volunteers serving in positions of authority, not report child abuse to law enforcement or child protective services.
Children are naturally resilient. They can, and do heal from abuse, but only when adults advocate for them by reporting. When reporting child abuse, we ensure that children are connected to the community resources and support they need to heal.
To report child abuse, call Utah’s Child Abuse Hotline at 1(855) 323-3237.
Read the Utah Child Abuse Reporting law here: https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title62A/Chapter4a/62A-4a-S403.htmlhttps://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title80/Chapter2/80-2-S602.html?v=C80-2-S602_2022050420220901
For more ways to get involved in child abuse prevention, please visit pcautah.org.