On This Page
- What Is Mandatory Reporting in Maryland?
- Who Are Mandated Reporters in Maryland?
- When and How Do You Report Child Abuse in Maryland?
- What Are the Penalties for Failing To Report in Maryland?
- Are Mandated Reporters Protected From Liability in Maryland?
- What Happens When a Maryland Institution Fails To Report Abuse?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland Mandatory Reporting
- Contact Andreozzi + Foote for a Free, Confidential Consultation
In Maryland, every adult—not just certain professionals—has a legal duty to report suspected child abuse or neglect. Reports must be submitted to the local Department of Social Services office or law enforcement agency where the suspected abuse has occurred.
Even with this wide-reaching duty, reporting failures can still occur within Maryland institutions such as schools, hospitals, and religious organizations. When those failures cause harm, survivors and families may have legal options to pursue accountability. At Andreozzi + Foote, we will advise you of your rights and explain the options available to you. Contact us for a free, confidential consultation.
Key Takeaways
- Sexual abuse claims often settle before going to trial, but a settlement can happen at any stage, even while a trial is underway.
- A sexual abuse case may go to trial when there is a dispute over liability or the amount of compensation.
- The sexual abuse lawyers at Andreozzi + Foote help survivors at every step, from reviewing the case and negotiating settlements to advocating for them in court if the case goes to trial.
What Is Mandatory Reporting in Maryland?
Mandatory reporting in Maryland requires people to report suspected child abuse or neglect to the proper authorities. A person does not need definitive evidence or firsthand knowledge before making a report. The legal duty begins when someone has reason to suspect a child may be at risk. Reports should be made promptly to the local Department of Social Services or law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction where the alleged abuse occurred.
Maryland’s mandatory reporting laws are found in Maryland Code, Family Law §§ 5-704 and 5-705. Section 5-704 imposes a reporting duty on certain professionals, including educators, medical providers, clergy members, social workers, and child care providers acting within their professional roles. Section 5-705 extends that responsibility to every adult in the state. Because Maryland imposes reporting duties on both professionals and the general public, it has one of the broadest mandatory reporting frameworks in the country.
Who Are Mandated Reporters in Maryland?
While not everyone is considered a mandated reporter in Maryland, all adults have a legal obligation to report suspected child abuse or neglect. Under Maryland Code, Family Law § 5-704, mandated reporters include:
- Health practitioners: This category includes doctors, nurses, dentists, psychologists, counselors, and other licensed medical or mental health professionals who may identify signs of abuse during patient treatment.
- Educators: Teachers, guidance counselors, school administrators, and other school employees must report suspected abuse or neglect involving children in their care or supervision.
- Human service workers: Social workers, child care staff, and other professionals who provide services to children or families also qualify as mandated reporters under Maryland law.
Mandated reporters may face stronger consequences than other adults if they fail to report suspected child abuse or neglect, including workplace discipline or loss of a professional license.
Does Every Adult Have To Report Child Abuse in Maryland?
Yes, Maryland law requires all adults to report suspected child abuse or neglect when they have reason to believe a child may be suffering harm.
Maryland’s law differs from those in states like Pennsylvania, where the legal duty to report is limited to specific mandated reporters, such as educators and healthcare professionals. In Pennsylvania, other adults may report abuse, but they are not legally required to do so.
When and How Do You Report Child Abuse in Maryland?
Maryland law requires immediate reporting when someone suspects a child is being abused or neglected. The process for mandatory reporters includes making an initial oral report and following up with a writen one, using the following procedures:
- Immediate oral report: Contact the local Department of Social Services or law enforcement in the jurisdiction where the suspected abuse occurred right away.
- Written follow-up: Submit DHS/SSA Form 180 within 48 hours.
- Additional copy required: Send a copy of the written report to the State’s Attorney’s Office.
- Hotline option: Reports can also be made by calling 1-800-91PREVENT (1-800-917-7383).
- Direct reporting required: Reporting to a supervisor, school principal, hospital administrator, or religious leader does not satisfy the legal duty. The report must go directly to DSS or law enforcement.
Mandated reporters must identify themselves, but their identity is protected from disclosure. Maryland allows the general public to make anonymous reports. Those who are not mandated reporters need only make an oral report.
What Are the Penalties for Failing To Report in Maryland?
A person who knowingly fails to report suspected child abuse or neglect in Maryland can face criminal penalties, professional discipline, or both.
Under Maryland Code, Criminal Law § 3-602.2, knowingly failing to report is a misdemeanor punishable by up to three years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. Mandated reporters may also face consequences tied to their jobs or professional licenses. Since October 2016, the Department of Social Services must refer cases of non-reporting to the individual’s licensing board or employer.
Although criminal penalties may punish someone for knowingly failing to report abuse, they do not address broader institutional failures. Civil lawsuits allow survivors to pursue accountability from institutions and seek financial recovery for the lasting impact of the abuse. Andreozzi + Foote is dedicated to helping survivors pursue accountability from institutions that failed to keep children safe.
Are Mandated Reporters Protected From Liability in Maryland?
Yes, Maryland law protects people who report suspected child abuse or neglect in good faith. A person who makes a good-faith report is generally immune from civil and criminal liability related to the report.
These protections are designed to encourage people to speak up when they suspect abuse without fearing lawsuits or criminal consequences if the suspicion later turns out to be incorrect. For example, a mandated reporter who makes a reasonable report in good faith generally cannot be successfully sued for defamation or false reporting simply because an investigation does not confirm abuse.
Maryland also protects reporter confidentiality. Under Maryland Code, Family Law § 5-712.1(c), the identity of a reporter is generally kept confidential and protected from disclosure.
What Happens When a Maryland Institution Fails To Report Abuse?
While criminal penalties punish idnividuals for failing to report child abuse as required, they do not compensate survivors or fully address institutional failures. However, civil claims allow survivors to hold organizations accountable when their actions or inactions allow abuse to continue.
Schools, hospitals, religious organizations, youth programs, and residential care facilities may face civil liability when their actions or omissions contributed to ongoing abuse. These claims often involve allegations of negligence, negligent screening of employees, negligent supervision, or negligent retention. For example, an institution may have ignored warning signs, discouraged reports, or failed to follow mandatory reporting laws.
At Andreozzi + Foote, we represent survivors in institutional abuse cases across Maryland, including matters involving the Maryland Archdiocese of Baltimore and other large institutions. Our Maryland child sexual abuse lawyers help survivors understand their legal options and pursue accountability when institutional failures contributed to ongoing harm.
How the Maryland Child Victims Act of 2023 Opened the Door for Survivors
The Maryland Child Victims Act of 2023, or CVA, removed the civil statute of limitations for child sexual abuse claims in Maryland, allowing survivors to file lawsuits no matter how much time has passed since the abuse occurred. The Act created a path for survivors to pursue claims against both abusers and the institutions that may have enabled or concealed abuse. In February 2025, the Maryland Supreme Court upheld the law’s constitutionality, allowing those civil claims to move forward.
2025 Damages Caps Under the CVA
In April 2025, Maryland lawmakers amended the Child Victims Act, capping non-economic damages in lawsuits filed on or after June 1, 2025. The revised law caps damages at $700,000 per claimant against private defendants and $400,000 against public defendants.
The amendment also limits how much a survivor can recover from a single defendant. Even if the abuse allegedly happened many times over several years, repeated allegations against one defendant are generally treated as one claim and subject to a single damages cap. Attorney fees are also limited to 20% of settlements and 25% of court judgments.
These changes apply only to cases filed after the effective date. Survivors who filed lawsuits before June 1, 2025, may still fall under the prior damages caps, which allowed up to $1.5 million against private defendants and approximately $890,000 against public defendants.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland Mandatory Reporting
Does Every Adult Have a Legal Duty To Report Child Abuse in Maryland?
Yes. Maryland law requires every adult has a duty to make a report if they have reason to believe that a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect. Reports should be made promptly to the local Department of Social Services or law enforcement where the suspected abuse occurred.
Can a Maryland School Principal Tell Me Not To Report Suspected Abuse?
No. A school principal cannot stop you from reporting suspected child abuse or neglect. Even if a supervisor or school principal discourages reporting, you still have a legal duty to report suspected abuse in Maryland.
What Happens After I Report Suspected Abuse to a Maryland DSS Office?
After you report the abuse, the Department of Social Services will determine how to respond, which may include conducting an investigation, engaging in safety planning for the child, and coordinating with law enforcement when appropriate.
Has Maryland’s Deadline for Filing a Civil Child Abuse Lawsuit Changed?
Yes. Maryland has eliminated the civil statute of limitations for child sexual abuse claims through the Child Victims Act of 2023. Therefore, survivors can file a civil lawsuit no matter how long ago the abuse occurred.
Contact Andreozzi + Foote for a Free, Confidential Consultation
If a Maryland institution failed to report abuse against you or a loved one, you may have legal options to pursue accountability.
At Andreozzi + Foote, we help survivors pursue accountability when schools, churches, healthcare providers, or other institutions failed to act. We’re here to answer your questions, listen to your experience, and advise you of the legal paths available.
Contact us online or call (866) 311-8640 today for a free, confidential consultation.