Guam
curated resources for Christian ministries striving to prevent child abuse
What is Considered Child Abuse in the State of Guam
Under Guam law, a child under 18 is considered abused or neglected when their physical or mental health or welfare is harmed or threatened by acts or omissions of the person(s) responsible for the child’s care. This includes non-accidental physical injury, sexual abuse or exploitation, neglect or failure to provide necessary care/ supervision/ basic needs, or any other conduct that places the child at risk of harm.
Requirements for Churches and Clergy
Clergy — including any “minister, priest, rabbi, Christian Science practitioner, or other similar religious-organization functionary” — are explicitly named among the mandated reporters under Guam law. The statute makes clear that privileged communications (e.g. confession) do not exempt clergy from reporting suspected child abuse or neglect.
(Source: Guam Code § 13201 (mandated-reporter list & elimination of privileged-communication exemption).)
Mandatory Reporting Laws
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When a mandated reporter (including clergy) has reasonable cause to suspect abuse or neglect, they must immediately make an oral report — by telephone — to either the local child-protective agency (Guam Child Protective Services, CPS) or local law enforcement, followed by a written report within 48 hours.
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Reports must include basic identifying info (child’s name, age/sex, location, nature and extent of injuries or neglect), and any other information that led to suspicion, or requested by CPS.
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Persons who report in good faith are granted immunity from civil or criminal liability under statute.
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Failure to report when required is a misdemeanor — punishable by up to 6 months imprisonment, a fine (up to $1,000), or both; repeated offense may escalate to a third-degree felony.
(Source: Guam Code §§ 13201, 13203, 13206, 13207 (reporting requirements, immunity, penalties))
Definitions and Prevention Requirements
Wyoming uses statutory definitions for abuse/neglect: physical or mental injury, sexual abuse/exploitation, neglect/failure of care, abandonment, endangerment, and other harmful circumstances. Although the statute emphasizes reporting, state guidance and child-welfare advocacy encourage institutions (including churches) to adopt “safe-environment” measures: background screening for clergy and volunteers, training on recognizing abuse/neglect, having clear internal procedures that align with state law for immediate external reporting, and posting/communicating reporting contact info for easy access.
(Source: Statutory definitions (Title 14))
SCHOOL GUIDELINES
Who Must Report in Schools?
Under Wyoming law, all persons have the duty to report suspected child abuse/neglect if they know or reasonably suspect it — that includes all school personnel (teachers, staff, volunteers, etc.) as well as any other adult who becomes aware of potential abuse. If school employees are part of a public or private school (or other institution), institutional staff obligations may also apply: if one staff member reports, and the institution is notified, the institution may also have responsibility to ensure the report is filed.
Mandatory Reporting Laws
If school staff suspect abuse or neglect, they must immediately report to the state’s child-protective agency (Department of Family Services) or law enforcement — internal school-only notification is not sufficient under state law. Once a report is received, the agency must follow statutory procedures for screening, assessment, or investigation depending on risk level and seriousness of allegations.
(Source: Wyo. Stat. § 14-3-205 & § 14-3-206 (reporting procedures))
Definitions and Prevention Requirements
Schools must rely on the statutory definitions of abuse/neglect under Guam law — including physical, sexual, neglect, abandonment, endangerment, threat to welfare — when evaluating suspected maltreatment. Best-practice guidance (though not mandated by statute) recommends schools implement prevention measures: background checks for employees/volunteers, staff training on recognizing signs of abuse/neglect and reporting obligations, clear internal protocols that lead to external reporting, supervision policies to minimize unsupervised child-adult contact, and making CPS hotline contact info available to staff and families.
(Source: Guam Child-welfare guidance on reporting and prevention practices.)
Public Health Context: Child Abuse in Guam
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All suspected abuse or neglect in Guam is reported to Guam Child Protective Services (CPS) or the local police department; CPS maintains a central register of all substantiated or indicated abuse or neglect cases, as well as a “suspected” file for cases under investigation or not yet classified.
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CPS operates a 24-hour intake/reporting system so that mandated reporters (and any other persons) can call or otherwise report suspected abuse or neglect at any time.
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The law provides immunity for good-faith reporters to encourage prompt reporting without fear of civil or criminal liability.
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Failure by a mandated reporter to report suspected abuse or neglect — knowing or reasonably knowing — is a misdemeanor (up to 6 months jail or a fine up to $1,000, or both); subsequent offenses may be elevated to a third-degree felony.
How to make a report in the state of Guam
Every state has their own process for filing reports involving abuse. See the below for your states guidance.
Call Immediately:
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Guam Division of Family Services (DFS) – Child Protective Services Central Intake: (671) 475-9624 / (671) 475-9625 (business hours)
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After hours, weekends, or if the child is in immediate danger: Call 911 or local law enforcement immediately.
After Making the Call –
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Reports are received and screened by the Guam Department of Public Health & Social Services (DPHSS), Division of Family Services.
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If the report meets statutory criteria, Child Protective Services will initiate an investigation.
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You may be asked to provide a written follow-up statement, especially if you are 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 — 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 (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
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Information updated on 8.17.2025
