Maryland
curated resources for Christian ministries striving to prevent child abuse
What is Considered Child Abuse in the State of Maryland
Maryland law requires reporting when a child under 18 has been or may be subjected to abuse or neglect. Reportable conduct includes physical or mental injury under circumstances indicating the child’s health or welfare is harmed or at substantial risk, sexual abuse or exploitation, or neglect/failure to provide proper care.
(Source: Mandatory Reporting for Maryland )
Requirements for Churches and Clergy
In Maryland, certain professionals (health practitioners, educators, human-service workers, police officers) are mandated reporters under § 5-704. Meanwhile, § 5-705 extends reporting duties more broadly to “any person” who reasonably believes a child has been abused or neglected. Although clergy are not distinctly exempt in the statute, the general rules apply.
Mandatory Reporting Laws
For mandated reporters under § 5-704 (e.g., health practitioners, educators, human-service workers, police), when they believe a child has been or may be subjected to abuse/neglect:
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They must immediately notify the local department or law enforcement by telephone/direct communication.
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They must also submit a written report no later than 48 hours after the contact/examination that caused suspicion. For others under § 5-705, the law indicates they must report “as soon as possible” upon reasonable belief.
(Source: ChurchLaw & Tax summary of Maryland law)
Definitions and Prevention Requirements
Definitions include:
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Physical or mental injury under circumstances showing harm or risk to health/welfare.
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Sexual abuse/exploitation of a child.
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Neglect or failure to provide proper care, supervision, or essential care.
For prevention, churches and faith-based organizations are encouraged to adopt safe environment policies, training for volunteers/staff, and awareness of reporting duties. While Maryland law itself doesn’t lay out church-specific prevention policy in the statutes I found, external guides point this out.
(Source: RAINN state-law summary)
SCHOOL GUIDELINES
Who Must Report in Schools?
Under Maryland law, professionals such as educators (which include teachers, administrators, school counselors), health practitioners, and human-service workers are among those explicitly required to report suspected child abuse or neglect under § 5-704. Additionally, § 5-705 broadens reporting duty to “any person” with reason to believe abuse/neglect occurred.
Mandatory Reporting Laws
School employees who are mandated reporters must report immediately by telephone or direct communication to the local department or law enforcement as soon as they suspect abuse/neglect; they must then file a written report within 48 hours. Schools are also required to ensure staff are aware of reporting responsibilities and policies in place for suspected abuse or neglect. While specific training requirements for schools are not spelled out in my findings, guidance and resources for mandatory reporters are available.
Definitions and Prevention Requirements
Schools should utilize the statutory definitions of child abuse/neglect, train staff to recognize signs, have internal protocols that emphasize external reporting (not internal investigations only), and promote safe environments (background checks, supervision policies). According to external guides, this is best practice though specific school prevention mandates under Maryland law are less detailed in the sources I located.
(Source: RAINN – Summary for schools in Maryland.)
Public Health Context: Child Abuse in Maryland
Maryland’s most recent publicly available child welfare data show continuing concerns:
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For State Fiscal Year 2023, the “Maryland Child Welfare Services Data” report lists detailed monthly and 12-month trend data on child protective services investigations.
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A March 2025 article noted that Maryland had reported high child fatality rates related to mistreatment for years, though the state later acknowledged over-reporting in past data. These figures demonstrate the importance of timely reporting, effective prevention policies, and interagency coordination.
(Source: Maryland Department of Human Services – “2024 Annual Progress and Services Report)
How to make a report in the state of Maryland
Every state has their own process for filing reports involving abuse. See the below for your states guidance.
Call Immediately:
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Maryland Child Protective Services (CPS) Reporting Line: Use your local Department of Social Services (DSS) office — county-specific hotline numbers are listed through Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS).
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Statewide CPS Contact Directory: Available through dhs.maryland.gov under “Local Offices”.
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Emergency? Call 911 first.
After Making the Call –
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Mandated reporters are required to submit a written follow-up within 48 hours using the DHR/SSA 180 Form (Report of Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect).
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Do not email reports — submit via fax, mail, or in-person to the local DSS office or law enforcement.
Information to Provide:
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Child’s name, age, address, or location
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What was observed or suspected (injuries, statements, behavior, environment)
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Names of parents/caregivers, if known
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Any urgent safety, medical, or law enforcement concerns
Additional Notes:
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Maryland law requires mandatory reporters (including school employees, medical staff, clergy, childcare workers, law enforcement, etc.) to report immediately upon suspicion.
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Good faith reporters are legally protected from civil or criminal liability. Confidentiality is respected, but professionals may be contacted for follow-up.
Uncompromising Protection: Elevating Child Safety Standards
Uncompromising Protection: Elevating Child Safety Standards
Uncompromising Protection: Elevating Child Safety Standards
Uncompromising Protection: Elevating Child Safety Standards
Uncompromising Protection: Elevating Child Safety Standards
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?
Join Us in the Fight to Protect the Next Generation.
Transforming child safety measures, ECAP is empowering Christian churches, schools, and camps nationwide to embrace an elevated standard of care.
Together, let’s shield our children from harm and create a brighter, safer tomorrow!
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Information updated on 8.17.2025
