By Thomas J. Duff and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
The Iowa Department of Human Resources publishes a very important guide for Mandatory Reporters to report child abuse to this agency. A Mandatory Reporter is defined as a person who, under Iowa Law, has a legal obligation to report child abuse. Mandatory Reporters include teachers, physicians, day care owners / employees, and others. You can review the Iowa Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse for more information and details.
Whether a serious child injury or death is reported to Iowa state officials or not, the family of the injured child can retain a private attorney to represent the interests and rights of the child. It is important to give the child a voice to enforce / promote the rights of the child especially when an innocent child is harmed by the intentional or negligent conduct of another person.
The Iowa Code pursuant to Section 232.68 outlines eight types or categories of child abuse as follows: physical abuse, mental injury, child prostitution, presence of illegal drugs, denial of critical care, manufacturing or possession of a dangerous substance, and bestiality in the presence of a child.
Any kind of child abuse or mistreatment is unacceptable. Teachers, day care and child care personnel, family members, friends, neighbors, coaches, doctors, and others have a obligation to refrain from intentionally or accidentally / negligently harming a child in Iowa. Proper supervision, care, and, yes, common sense are vital to the health, safety and well being of children in Iowa.