Sex Offender Registry
Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect
Maryland Family Law § 5-704 provides that health practitioners, educators, social services workers, and police officers must report suspected child abuse and neglect (including sexual abuse) to authorities. In addition, any other person who has reason to believe that a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect must make a report to authorities.
Reports must be made immediately.
Sexual Abuse and Exploitation
Maryland Family Law § 5-701 provides that ‘sexual abuse’ means any act that involves sexual molestation or exploitation of a child by a parent or other person who has permanent or temporary care, custody, or responsibility for supervision of a child, or by any household or family member. ‘Sexual abuse’ includes incest, rape, sexual offense in any degree, sodomy, and unnatural or perverted sexual practices.