All citizens of Maryland are obligated to report suspected abuse (Maryland Family Law 5-705) to Child Protective Services or law enforcement, and the State’s Attorney’s Office.
Reporting Abuse in Maryland
For over 15 years, Center for Hope has leveraged its expertise to train professionals, community members, and many others on violence intervention and prevention and how to protect the vulnerable. With pioneering approaches to preventing the abuse of children, youth, and vulnerable adults, Center for Hope's experts indirectly improve the lives of tens of thousands of people across the country each year.
Schools, religious organizations, camps, and other youth-serving organizations are entrusted to protect the youth in their communities. Center for Hope's approach to youth protection can prevent a lifetime of pain for youth and protect an institution or program from significant human and economic costs, including broken confidence of the community, adverse publicity, and litigation.
Reporting Different Kinds of Abuse
Reporting Child Abuse or Neglect
Reporting Vulnerable Adult Abuse
It is a crime for a household member, family member, or anyone responsible for the supervision of a vulnerable adult to neglect or abuse the vulnerable adult or intentionally and maliciously inflict severe emotional distress on the vulnerable adult.
Reporting Sexual Assault
In Maryland, there is no general requirement to report all sexual assaults or sexual abuse of adults. However, the sexual abuse of children and certain categories of adults must be reported.