American Samoa
curated resources for Christian ministries striving to prevent child abuse
What is Considered Child Abuse in American Samoa
In American Samoa, “child abuse or neglect” includes serious physical injury or conditions (e.g. bruising, burns, fractures, subdural hematoma, malnutrition, failure to thrive), sexual abuse or exploitation (including sexual offenses, sexual assault, forced prostitution or pornographic exploitation), emotional/mental injury, failure to provide adequate food, shelter, medical care or supervision, abandonment, and any act or omission that seriously threatens a child’s welfare.
(Source: American Samoa Annotated Code § 45.2001 (definitions of abuse/neglect).)
Requirements for Churches and Clergy
Clergy (religious practitioners, including Christian Science practitioners) are included among the mandated reporters under American Samoa law. The law does not explicitly maintain a privilege exception for clergy-penitent communications in the reporting statute — meaning information received by them that gives reasonable cause to suspect abuse triggers the reporting duty.
(Source: Child Welfare Information Gateway summary for American Samoa clergy mandatory reporting.)
Mandatory Reporting Laws
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Mandated reporters — including clergy, healthcare workers, school personnel, social workers — who have reasonable cause to suspect abuse or neglect must immediately report to the designated child-protection agency.
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The written report (when requested) must include detailed information: child’s name, address, age, sex, religion, race; identity of the person responsible for the child; nature and extent of injuries or neglect; names and addresses of alleged caregiver(s); family composition; reporter’s name/address/occupation; any actions taken; and any other relevant information.
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Reports of suspected child death due to abuse or neglect must be reported immediately to law enforcement (Department of Public Safety).
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Persons who act in good faith when reporting are granted immunity from civil or criminal liability under statute.
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Willful failure to report when required is classified as a misdemeanor under the law.
Definitions and Prevention Requirements
Statutory definitions cover physical injury, sexual abuse/exploitation, emotional/mental harm, neglect, abandonment, and risk of serious harm. Reasonable discipline is distinguished from abuse under the Code’s “accepted child-rearing practices” clause. While the law emphasizes mandatory reporting rather than prescribing detailed prevention protocols for churches, best practices suggest faith-based organizations should adopt safe-environment policies: background screening for clergy/volunteers, training to recognize signs of abuse/neglect, clear internal procedures that align with mandatory external reporting, and making contact information for reporting readily available. (Analogous recommendation based on guidelines from child-welfare agencies.)
(Source: Statutory definitions in Am. Samoa Code Title 45 & 46. )
SCHOOL GUIDELINES
Who Must Report in Schools?
School officials and employees are listed among the mandated reporters under American Samoa’s reporting statute. Additionally, while not mandated, “any other persons” are encouraged and authorized to report suspected abuse or neglect.
(Source: Child Welfare Information Gateway summary on reporting obligations.)
Mandatory Reporting Laws
When school personnel (or any mandated reporter) suspect abuse or neglect, they must immediately report to the proper agency (child-protection services of the Department of Human Resources / Department of Human & Social Services) or law enforcement. If requested, a written report must be submitted with the details required under § 45.2010 (see above). If the suspected abuse involves a child’s death, the report goes immediately to law enforcement (Dept. of Public Safety).
(Source: Am. Samoa Code §§ 45.2002 & 45.2010, and cross-reporting statute § 45.2003.)
Definitions and Prevention Requirements
Schools must use the same statutory definitions of abuse/neglect when evaluating potential maltreatment (physical, sexual, emotional, neglect, abandonment, endangerment) as laid out in Title 45 and 46. For prevention, although the statutes do not mandate detailed “safe-environment” protocols, child-welfare guidance and best-practice principles recommend: staff training on recognizing abuse/neglect, background screening for employees/volunteers working with minors, institutional policies requiring immediate external reporting (not just internal investigation), supervision policies to protect children, and easy access to contact information for reporting.
(Source: Statutory definitions & reporting law (Title 45/46).)
Public Health Context: Child Abuse in American Samoa
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American Samoa maintains a central registry for child-abuse and neglect reports, managed by the Child Protection Agency (within the Department of Human Resources / Department of Human & Social Services).
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The registry tracks every written report, final disposition, rehabilitative plans, and records of information requests and disclosures.
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Reports are confidential. Release of records is strictly limited to authorized persons or agencies (e.g., attorney general, protective-custody authorities, courts, researchers, the subject of the report).
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Individuals who report in good faith are protected by statutory immunity from civil or criminal liability.
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Failure by a mandated reporter to report suspected abuse or neglect is a Class A misdemeanor under § 45.2002(d), and the reporter may also be liable for damages caused by the failure.
(Source: American Samoa Code §§ 45.2020–45.2023 (central registry) and confidentiality provisions.)
How to make a report in American Samoa
Every state has their own process for filing reports involving abuse. See the below for your states guidance.
Call Immediately:
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American Samoa Department of Human and Social Services (DHSS) – Child Protective Services (CPS):(684) 633-4606 (DHSS main intake line during business hours)
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Emergency or immediate danger: Call 911 or local law enforcement immediately.
After Making the Call –
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Reports are received and screened by DHSS Child Protective Services.
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If the report meets legal criteria, CPS will initiate an investigation.
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You may be asked to provide a written follow-up statement depending on the situation and your role as a mandated reporter.
What Information to Provide (as known):
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Child’s full name, age (or date of birth), and location/address
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Names of parents, caregivers, or persons responsible for the child
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Description of suspected abuse or neglect — what was seen, heard, or disclosed; any injuries, neglect, unsafe conditions, or threats
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Any immediate safety or medical concerns — current danger, injuries, lack of supervision, or urgent risk
Who Should Report / Legal Duty:
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Any person who suspects child abuse or neglect may and should report.
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Mandated reporters (including teachers, medical professionals, social workers, childcare providers, and law enforcement) are legally required to report suspected abuse or neglect.
Protections & Confidentiality:
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Reports made in good faith are legally protected.
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The identity of the reporter is kept confidential to the extent allowed by law.
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If a child is in immediate danger, do not delay — call 911 first, then CPS.
Uncompromising Protection: Elevating Child Safety Standards
In a world where child protection is paramount, ECAP is elevating child protection standards, ensuring a secure and nurturing environment in Christian ministries.
Every aspect of life adheres to specific standards – whether it be technology, education, finances, or industry practices.
In Jesus’ teachings, He imparted immense value to children, emphasizing the significance of their well-being. Reflecting on this profound truth, a compelling question emerges: Shouldn’t child protection be upheld to an even higher standard than these other areas, considering the blessing of children?
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Information updated on 8.17.2025
