North Carolina law defines an “abused juvenile” as a person under age 18 who, among other things, is a victim of human trafficking or whose parent, guardian, or custodian:

• inflicts or allows to be inflicted upon the juvenile a serious physical injury by other than accidental means;

• creates or allows a substantial risk of serious physical injury;

• uses or allows the use of cruel or grossly inappropriate procedures or devices to modify behavior;

• commits or permits specified sexual offenses against the juvenile. Neglect is defined to include failure to provide proper care, supervision, or discipline, or placing a child in an environment injurious to welfare.

(Source: “Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect – North Carolina” (Child Welfare Information Gateway).)

In North Carolina, any person or institution who has cause to suspect that a juvenile is abused, neglected, dependent, or has died as a result of maltreatment must report. There is no broad clergy-penitent privilege exempting clergy from reporting under the child abuse statute; the only privilege exemption concerns attorney-client communications under § 7B-310.

(Source: Child Welfare Information Gateway – “Mandatory Reporting – North Carolina.”)

When someone (including clergy under these rules) has cause to suspect abuse, neglect or dependency of a juvenile under 18, they must immediately report (orally, by phone or in writing) to the county department of social services where the juvenile resides or is found. The report must include, as known, the name/address of the juvenile and their parent/guardian, age, names/ages of other juveniles in the home, whereabouts if not at home, the nature and extent of any injury or condition, and any other helpful info. If made orally, the reporter should provide their name/address/telephone number. Refusal to give a name does not prevent the report from being assessed. Failure to report knowingly or wantonly is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

(Source: Legal overview)