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.
New Hampshire
curated resources for Christian ministries striving to prevent child abuse
CHURCH GUIDELINES
What is Considered Child Abuse in the State of New Hampshire
Under the New Hampshire Revised Statutes Chapter 169‑C (Child Protection Act), a child under 18 may be considered abused or neglected if, for example, the child has been intentionally physically injured or sexually abused, or the child is without proper parental care or in a situation where their health, safety or emotional well‑being is seriously jeopardized.
(Source: New Hampshire Revised Statutes Chapter 169‑C:1 et seq.)
Requirements for Churches and Clergy
Clergy (including priests, ministers, rabbis) who have reason to suspect a child has been abused or neglected are mandated to report under RSA 169‑C:29. Privileged communications (such as between clergy and penitents) are not a ground for failure to report under § 169‑C:32. This means that clergy who acquire information regarding any child abuse/neglect or possible child abuse/neglect must report even if the information is acquired through privileged clergy/penitent communication.
(Source: New Hampshire Statutes Section 169-C:32)
Mandatory Reporting Laws
According to New Hampshire law any person with reason to suspect that a child has been abused or neglected is mandated to report. This specifically includes any:
- physician, surgeon, county medical examiner, resident, intern, dentist, osteopath, optometrist, chiropractor,
- psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist,
- registered nurse, hospital personnel,
- Christian Science practitioner,
- teacher, school official, school nurse, school counselor,
- social worker,
- day care worker,
- child or foster care worker,
- law enforcement official,
- priest, minister, or rabbi
Everyone must report even if communication is privileged, except if communication is between attorney and client.
When anyone has reason to suspect a child under 18 has been abused or neglected they must make an immediate oral report by telephone or to the New Hampshire Division for Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) or law enforcement. Within 48 hours, a written report must follow if requested by the department. Reports made in good faith provides civil and criminal immunity; failure to report when mandated is a misdemeanor.
(Source: New Hampshire Statutes Section 169-C:29, New Hampshire Statutes Section 169-C:30, New Hampshire Statutes Section 169-C:32)
Definitions and Prevention Requirements
New Hampshire statutory definitions:
- Abused child: any child who has been sexually abused, intentionally physically injured, psychologically injured, physically injured by other than accidental means, subjected to human trafficking, or subjected to an act prohibited by RSA 632-A:10-d (female genital mutilation)
- Institutional child abuse or neglect: situations of known or suspected child abuse or neglect where the person responsible for the child’s welfare is a foster parent or an employee of a public or private residential home/institution/agency
- Neglected child: a child who has been abandoned by their parent/guardian/custodian; who is without proper parental care/control, subsistence, education, or other care/control necessary for the child’s physical, mental, or emotional health; whose parent/guardian/custodian are unable to discharge their responsibilities for the child due to incarceration, hospitalization, or other physical/mental incapacity
- Psychological maltreatment: pervasive and emotionally abusive behavior, including but not limited to patterns of threatening, berating, or demeaning behavior
- Sexual Abuse: the employment, use, persuasion, inducement, enticement, or coercion of any child to engage in, or having a child assist any other person to engage in, any sexually explicit conduct or any simulation of such conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of such conduct; the rape, molestation, prostitutions, or other form of sexual exploitation of children, or incest with a child
Churches and faith-based organizations are encouraged by state and nonprofit resources to adopt prevention measures such as; training for clergy/volunteers to recognize signs of maltreatment, posting reporting contact information, having internal safe-environment protocols. However, these are general guidance’s rather than statutory mandates.
(Source: New Hampshire Statutes Section 169-C:3)
SCHOOL GUIDELINES
Who Must Report in Schools?
School personnel (teachers, school officials, school nurses, school counselors), as well as “any other person having reason to suspect”, are mandated to report suspected abuse or neglect. The duty is not simply to notify a supervisor but rather a report must be made immediate by telephone to the New Hampshire Division for Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) or law enforcement.
(Source: New Hampshire Statutes Section 169-C:29)
Mandatory Reporting Laws
According to New Hampshire law any person with reason to suspect that a child has been abused or neglected is mandated to report. This specifically includes any:
- physician, surgeon, county medical examiner, resident, intern, dentist, osteopath, optometrist, chiropractor,
- psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist,
- registered nurse, hospital personnel,
- Christian Science practitioner,
- teacher, school official, school nurse, school counselor,
- social worker,
- day care worker,
- child or foster care worker,
- law enforcement official,
- priest, minister, or rabbi
Everyone must report even if communication is privileged, except if communication is between attorney and client.
When anyone has reason to suspect a child under 18 has been abused or neglected they must make an immediate oral report by telephone or to the New Hampshire Division for Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) or law enforcement. Within 48 hours, a written report must follow if requested by the department. Reports made in good faith provides civil and criminal immunity; failure to report when mandated is a misdemeanor.
(Source: New Hampshire Statutes Section 169-C:29, New Hampshire Statutes Section 169-C:30, New Hampshire Statutes Section 169-C:32)
Definitions and Prevention Requirements
New Hampshire statutory definitions:
- Abused child: any child who has been sexually abused, intentionally physically injured, psychologically injured, physically injured by other than accidental means, subjected to human trafficking, or subjected to an act prohibited by RSA 632-A:10-d (female genital mutilation)
- Institutional child abuse or neglect: situations of known or suspected child abuse or neglect where the person responsible for the child’s welfare is a foster parent or an employee of a public or private residential home/institution/agency
- Neglected child: a child who has been abandoned by their parent/guardian/custodian; who is without proper parental care/control, subsistence, education, or other care/control necessary for the child’s physical, mental, or emotional health; whose parent/guardian/custodian are unable to discharge their responsibilities for the child due to incarceration, hospitalization, or other physical/mental incapacity
- Psychological maltreatment: pervasive and emotionally abusive behavior, including but not limited to patterns of threatening, berating, or demeaning behavior
- Sexual Abuse: the employment, use, persuasion, inducement, enticement, or coercion of any child to engage in, or having a child assist any other person to engage in, any sexually explicit conduct or any simulation of such conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of such conduct; the rape, molestation, prostitutions, or other form of sexual exploitation of children, or incest with a child
Prevention “best practices” for school settings include staff training for recognizing signs, clear internal reporting protocols that direct to external agencies (rather than internal-only investigation), background screening of employees/volunteers working with minors, and awareness/education for students and families about safe environments.
(Source: New Hampshire Statutes Section 169-C:3)
Public Health Context: Child Abuse in New Hampshire
• According to the federal Child Welfare Outcomes data, for 2023 New Hampshire had 1,276 children identified as victims of maltreatment, at a rate of ~5.1 per 1,000 children.
• Neglect remains the largest category of maltreatment victims (~84.2% in 2023).
• Child fatalities from maltreatment were at 2 children in 2022 and 2 in 2023 (rate ~0.79 per 100,000).
These data underscore persistent challenges in child welfare in New Hampshire and emphasize the importance of prevention, timely reporting, and interagency coordination.
(Source: CWLA New Hampshire profile April 2024/2025. )
How to make a report in the state of New Hampshire
Every state has their own process for filing reports involving abuse. See the below for your states guidance.
Call Immediately:
-
New Hampshire Division for Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) Central Intake: (800) 894-5533 — available 24/7 (dhhs.nh.gov)
-
Emergency? Call 911 first.
After Making the Call:
-
Mandated reporters may be asked to submit a written follow-up report to DCYF if requested.
-
Do not email reports — use phone, fax, or in-person delivery.
Information to Provide:
-
Child’s name, age, and address/location
-
Description of suspected abuse or neglect (what was seen, heard, or disclosed)
-
Names of parents/caregivers, if known
-
Any immediate safety or medical concerns
Additional Notes:
-
New Hampshire law (RSA 169-C:29) requires any person who suspects child abuse or neglect to report it immediately.
-
Mandated reporters (e.g., teachers, doctors, social workers, clergy) must report directly — telling a supervisor does not fulfill the legal duty.
-
Good faith reporters are immune from liability and their identity is kept confidential unless ordered by a court.
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.
Join our national association of Christian ministries committed to child protection and abuse prevention.
STAY CONNECTED
Sign Up to Receive Our Newsletter
Stay Connected
Information updated on 3.25.2025
