Allegations of Child Abuse

Allegations of child abuse, whether sexual, physical, or psychological are serious. Unfounded or false claims are harmful to the children and obscure the real issues. Judges and lawyers will try to protect children both from a parent who is an abuser, and from a parent who fabricates such a claim.

Some states permit, and others require, disclosure of any information necessary to prevent a parent from harming a child. Lawyers, and others, may be required to reveal any information that indicates there will be a substantial risk of abuse to the child, or to reveal information necessary to prevent abuse. These laws vary from state to state as to which occupational groups (such as lawyers, social workers, psychotherapists, teachers, members of the clergy) are permitted or required to report child abuse.