Sex Offender Registry
Massachusetts Sex Offender Search
Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect
Massachusetts General Laws Ch. 119, § 21 sets forth a long list of professionals who are required to report suspected abuse or neglect (including sexual abuse) to authorities. These professionals include medical and mental health care professionals, social workers, public and private school employees, child care providers, clergy members and employees of religious organizations to supervise children, and children’s advocates.
In addition, any other person who has reasonable cause to believe that a child is suffering from or has died as a result of abuse or neglect may file a report.
Reports must be made immediately.
Sexual Abuse and Exploitation
Code of Mass. Regs. Tit. 110, § 2.00 provides that ‘abuse’ means the nonaccidental commission of any act by a caregiver upon a child under age 18 that causes or creates a substantial risk of physical or emotional injury, or constitutes a sexual offense under the laws of the Commonwealth, or any sexual contact between a caregiver and a child under the care of that individual.
The term ‘abuse’ includes a sexual offense under the laws of the Commonwealth or any sexual contact between a caregiver and a child under the care of that individual.