In a proceeding regarding the abuse or neglect of a child, evidence may not be excluded on the ground of privileged communication except in the case of communications between an attorney and client. The privilege of a person's spouse not to be called as a witness for the state does not apply in any proceeding in which the person is charged with a crime committed against the person's spouse, a minor child, or a member of the household of either spouse. All persons are required by law to report child abuse. The report can be made to law enforcement, Child Protective Services, or the agency regulating the facility where the abuse is occurring. Information about the reporting person is confidential except if ordered by court or to aid law enforcement in their investigation.
Persons reporting in good faith are immune from civil or criminal punishment.
Persons making intentional false reports can be punished criminally. Persons failing to make a report can be punished criminally. In cases where a child is a victim under 13, the first person the child told about the abuse 18 or over can testify to the hearsay statement. There is no privileged communication in civil child abuse cases except for statements to your attorney. The only privileged communication in a criminal child abuse case is those to your attorney and your clergyman.