Sex Offender Registry
Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect
Louisiana Children’s Code Art. 603(15) sets forth a list of professionals required to report suspected child abuse or neglect (including sexual abuse) to authorities. The list includes medical and mental health care providers, coroners, social workers, members of the clergy, education and child care providers, athletic coaches, foster parents, daycare providers, law enforcement officials, and any individual who provides services to children in a volunteer or professional capacity.
In addition, any other person who has cause to believe that a child’s health is endangered as a result of abuse or neglect may report.
Reports must be made immediately. Failure to report may result in a misdemeanor or other penalties.
Sexual Abuse and Exploitation
Louisiana Ch. Code Art. 603 provides that the term ‘abuse’ includes any one of the following acts that seriously endanger the physical, mental, or emotional health of the child:
- The involvement of the child in any sexual act with a parent or any other person
- The aiding or toleration by the parent or caregiver of the child’s sexual involvement with any other person
- The aiding or toleration by the parent of the child’s involvement in pornographic displays
- Any other involvement of a child in sexual activity constituting a crime under the laws of the State
‘Child pornography’ means visual depiction of a child engaged in actual or simulated sexual intercourse, deviate sexual intercourse, sexual bestiality, masturbation, sadomasochistic abuse, or lewd exhibition of the genitals.
A ‘crime against a child’ includes rape, sexual battery, incest, carnal knowledge of a juvenile, indecent behavior with a juvenile, pornography involving juveniles, a crime against nature, or molestation of a juvenile.