Northern Mariana Islands
curated resources for Christian ministries striving to prevent child abuse
What is Considered Child Abuse in the State of Northern Mariana Islands
Under CNMI law, a child under 18 is considered subjected to abuse or neglect if a person willfully or intentionally strikes, beats, or by any other act or omission inflicts physical pain, injury or mental distress on the child (beyond the scope of reasonable corporal punishment), resulting in harm or threat to the child’s physical or mental health or well-being. Neglect is also covered: if someone responsible for the child fails (willfully or negligently) to provide adequate supervision, medical care, food, clothing or shelter, resulting in harm or threatened harm to the child. Abuse also includes sexual molestation or other acts defined under criminal code provisions applied to minors under custody or authority of the offender.
(Source: Commonwealth Code — Title 6, §§ 5312 (definitions of abuse/neglect) and 5313 (reporting duty).)
Requirements for Churches and Clergy
Mandated reporters under CNMI law include “religious healing practitioners” among many others (health-care workers, teachers, school officials, daycare providers, counselors, social workers, law-enforcement) — so clergy and religious professionals are explicitly required to report suspected abuse or neglect when they encounter reasonable cause. The law eliminates general “privileged-communication” as a basis for refusing to report: communications that otherwise might be privileged (professional-client, patient-provider, etc.) are not exempt when they involve child abuse suspicions.
Mandatory Reporting Laws
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When a mandated reporter (including clergy) knows or has reasonable cause to suspect child abuse or neglect, they must promptly report — within 24 hours — to the local law-enforcement agency (Department of Public Safety) or the regional child-welfare agency (Division of Youth Services).
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The report must include a statement of time, date, circumstances, and information that led to the suspicion.
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Persons who report in good faith are granted statutory immunity from civil or criminal liability.
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Willful failure to report when required is a crime: up to 1 year imprisonment,/or fine up to $1,000.
(Source: Commonwealth Code § 5313 & § 5315 (reporting duty, penalties) — per guidance documents.)
Definitions and Prevention Requirements
Statutory definitions include physical abuse beyond reasonable discipline, sexual molestation or exploitation, neglect/failure to provide basic needs, and mental distress to a child under 18 under the authority or custody of the caregiver. While the law centers on reporting, best-practice guidance for institutions (including churches) encourages adoption of safe-environment practices: background screening for clergy/volunteers, awareness-raising and training on recognizing abuse/neglect, written internal policies aligned with statutory reporting requirements, immediate external reporting (not internal-only), and ensuring reporting contact info (hotline / DPS contact) is easily available. (These are recommended practices, not strictly codified in statute.)
(Source: Statutory definitions)
SCHOOL GUIDELINES
Who Must Report in Schools?
School personnel — including teachers, school officials, and others in educational settings — are mandated reporters under CNMI law if they come into professional contact with a child and reasonably suspect abuse or neglect. In addition to mandated reporters, any person may report suspected abuse or neglect at any time.
(Source: Commonwealth Code § 5313 (mandated reporters list includes school officials).)
Mandatory Reporting Laws
If school staff suspect abuse or neglect, they must immediately report to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) or to the Division of Youth Services (DYS) without delay; internal school-only reports are insufficient. Written follow-up may be required, including details of suspicion, date/time/circumstances, name and age of the child, alleged perpetrator, and any other information relevant to investigation.
(Source: CNMI Board of Education policy referencing Title 6 CMC §§ 5312–5313 for reporting requirements.)
Definitions and Prevention Requirements
Schools must use the same statutory definitions of abuse/neglect: physical injury beyond reasonable discipline, sexual abuse or molestation, neglect (failure of care/supervision), mental distress, or threat to child welfare. Prevention best practices recommended include mandated-reporter training for school staff, background screening for employees/volunteers, clear internal policies that require external reporting, supervision policies to limit unsupervised one-on-one child-adult interactions, and ensuring reporting contact information (DPS/DYS) is accessible. While not all are explicitly required by law, these practices are encouraged by CNMI child-welfare resources.
Public Health Context: Child Abuse in Northern Mariana Islands
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Reports of suspected child abuse or neglect are received by the local agencies: the CNMI Department of Public Safety (DPS) or the Division of Youth Services (DYS). Upon report, DYS investigates, assesses safety, may place children into protective custody, and — if necessary — initiate wardship through court.
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The law ensures confidentiality: written reports and records of alleged cases are confidential, and disclosure of reporter identity is prohibited.
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Mandated-reporter laws and statutory protections (immunity for good-faith reporters) aim to encourage reporting without fear of retaliation.
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Failure to report when required — or interfering with reporting — may result in criminal penalties (up to 1 year in prison and/or fine) under CNMI statute.
How to make a report in Northern Mariana Islands
Every state has their own process for filing reports involving abuse. See the below for your states guidance.
Call Immediately:
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CNMI Child Protection Services (CPS) – Department of Community and Cultural Affairs (DCCA): (670) 234-7273 (business hours)
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Emergency or immediate danger: Call 911 or local law enforcement immediately.
After Making the Call –
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Reports are received and screened by CNMI Child Protective Services.
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If the report meets legal criteria, CPS 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
