Note: This information does not and is not intended to constitute legal advice. Readers are strongly encouraged to consult with attorneys who are knowledgeable and experienced regarding specific applicability of these listed laws, based on their own circumstances.
Nebraska
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CHURCH GUIDELINES
What is Considered Child Abuse in the State of Nebraska
Nebraska law defines child abuse or neglect to include knowingly, intentionally, or negligently causing or permitting a minor child to be placed in a situation that endangers their life or physical or mental health; cruel confinement or punishment; deprivation of necessary food, clothing, shelter or care; leaving a minor unattended in a motor vehicle when six years of age or younger; sexual abuse/exploitation of a child; and abandonment.
(Source: Child Welfare Information Gateway – Definitions of Child Abuse and Neglect: Nebraska.)
Requirements for Churches and Clergy
Nebraska law requires any person who has reasonable cause to believe a child has been or is being abused or neglected to make a report. This includes clergy when they are not acting in a communication covered by a recognized privilege (e.g., a confidential clergy-penitent communication).
(Source: Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect – Nebraska, Child Welfare Information Gateway.)
Mandatory Reporting Laws
Under Nebraska law:
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A report must be made immediately by telephone to the appropriate law enforcement agency or the state toll-free hotline (1-800-652-1999) when there is reasonable cause to suspect abuse or neglect.
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The initial oral report must be followed by a written report, containing the child’s and caretaker’s relevant information, nature of the abuse/neglect, and any other helpful info.
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Failure to report when required (willfully) is a Class III misdemeanor.
(Source: Nebraska Revised Statutes § 28-711 — Duty to report. )
Definitions and Prevention Requirements
Definitions include physical or mental injury, cruelty or confinement, deprivation of necessary care, sexual abuse/exploitation, and abandonment.
Churches and faith-based organizations are encouraged to implement prevention policies: training for clergy/staff/volunteers in recognizing abuse/neglect, background screening, posting the child abuse hotline prominently, and adopting safe-environment practices. While the statute does not prescribe all these for faith organizations specifically, they are recommended in guidance materials.
(Source: Mandatory Reporting Requirements – Nebraska fact sheet.)
SCHOOL GUIDELINES
Who Must Report in Schools?
School personnel—including teachers, administrators, counselors, aides, volunteers—are included under “any person” who has reasonable cause to believe a child has been abused or neglected. Each individual holds the responsibility to report; reliance solely on a supervisor is not sufficient.
Mandatory Reporting Laws
When school employees reasonably suspect child abuse or neglect, they must immediately notify the law enforcement agency or call the statewide child abuse/neglect hotline (1-800-652-1999). A written report must follow. Schools are encouraged to adopt internal policies ensuring timely reporting rather than delaying through internal investigation only.
Definitions and Prevention Requirements
Schools should use the statutory definitions described above to identify maltreatment concerns. Prevention best practices include staff training on identifying abuse/neglect, internal protocols that prioritize immediate external reporting, background checks for staff and volunteers working with minors, and awareness campaigns for children and families about safe environments. While Nebraska’s statutes primarily address reporting duties, external resources encourage these prevention steps.
(Source: If/When/How legal advocacy fact sheet.)
Public Health Context: Child Abuse in Nebraska
According to the Child Welfare League of America’s Nebraska profile (April 2024), Nebraska had 2,026 child victims of abuse or neglect in 2022, at a rate of 4.3 per 1,000 children—a 22 % decrease since 2018. Furthermore, the data show that Nebraska’s child-welfare system had 37,193 referrals for suspected child abuse or neglect in 2022, of which 13,845 were screened in for further CPS response. In Fiscal Year 2023-24, the state’s Office of Inspector General for Child Welfare noted 21 child deaths reported (up from 11 the prior year) and 27 serious injury reports, highlighting ongoing concerns in the child protection context. These figures highlight the critical importance of timely reporting, prevention efforts, interagency collaboration, and safe-environment practices.
(Source: CWLA Nebraska 2024 Fact Sheet.)
GROOMING LAWS
According to Nebraska law grooming is defined as the building of trust with a student and individual close to the student in a effort to gain access to and time alone with the student, with the goal of engaging in sexual contact or sexual penetration with the student, regardless of when in the student’s life the sexual conduct or penetration would take place.
It is required by Nebraska law for every school districts school board or board of education, and the governing authorities of each private, denominational, or parochial school adopt a policy regarding appropriate relationships between students and school employees or student teachers/interns. Policies must include at least:
- the prohibition of any school employee/student teacher/intern from engaging in grooming
- the prohibition of any relationship involving sexual contact or penetration between a student and school employee/student teacher/intern while the student is currently enrolled and for one year after the student graduates or ceases enrollment
- examples of grooming and related conduct
- a procedure for school employees/student teachers. interns to verify the policy was received and understood
- A procedure for reporting suspected grooming or other unacceptable conduct to the school or school district administration, the State Department of Education, DHHS, and law enforcement.
- Description of preferred methods of communication for students and school employees/student teachers/interns
- Notice that any violation of the policy by a school employee/student teacher/intern may result in disciplinary action including dismissal
- Notice that any violation of the policy by any certificated employee may result in referral to the State DOE and consequences including suspension or revocation of their certificate
- Notice that any Violation involving sexual or other abuse will result in referral to the DHHS and/or law enforcement
While grooming itself is not a crime, Nebraska law has required anti-grooming policies (as described above) to be enacted in schools. Furthermore, suspicion of grooming is a reportable offense and can lead to revocation of teaching certificates, dismissal, and referral to law enforcement, but not necessarily criminal charges.
(Source: Nebraska Legislature)
How to make a report in the state of Nebraska
Every state has their own process for filing reports involving abuse. See the below for your states guidance.
Call Immediately:
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Nebraska Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline: 1-800-652-1999 — available 24/7
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Emergency? Call 911 first.
After Making the Call:
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Mandated reporters may be asked to provide a written follow-up report to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
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Do not email reports — use the hotline or proper in-person/fax channels as instructed.
Information to Provide:
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Child’s name, age, and location/address
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Description of suspected abuse or neglect
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Names of parents/caregivers, if known
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Any immediate safety or medical concerns
Additional Notes:
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Nebraska law (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-711) requires any person who suspects child abuse or neglect to report it immediately.
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Good faith reporters are immune from liability and may remain confidential, though follow-up contact may occur.
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Mandated reporters include professionals such as teachers, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and social workers.
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 protecting the next generation
Take your child protection measures to the next level.
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Information updated on 3.1.2026
