Nebraska

State law requires any person who suspects that a child has been physically or sexually abused or neglected to report it promptly to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

To report abuse, call the Abuse/Neglect Hotline at
1-800-652-1999

Definitions of Child Abuse and Neglect - Nebraska

Physical Abuse

Citation: Rev. Stat. § 28-710

Child abuse or neglect means knowingly, intentionally, or negligently causing or permitting a minor child to be placed in a situation that endangers his or her life or physical health or causes or permits the child to be cruelly confined or cruelly punished.

Neglect

Citation: Rev. Stat. § 28-710

Child abuse or neglect means knowingly, intentionally, or negligently causing or permitting a minor child to be deprived of necessary food, clothing, shelter, or care or causing or permitting a child age 6 or younger to be left unattended in a motor vehicle.

Sexual Abuse

Citation: Rev. Stat. § 28-710

Child abuse or neglect means knowingly, intentionally, or negligently causing or permitting a minor child to be:

• Sexually abused
• Sexually exploited by allowing, encouraging, or forcing such person to solicit for or engage in prostitution, debauchery, public indecency, or obscene or pornographic photography, films, or depictions 

Emotional Abuse

Citation: Rev. Stat. § 28-710

Child abuse or neglect means knowingly, intentionally, or negligently causing or permitting a minor child to be placed in a situation that endangers his or her mental health.

Abandonment

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed.

Standards for Reporting

Citation: Rev. Stat. § 28-710

A report is required when a child has been knowingly, intentionally, or negligently harmed.

Persons Responsible for the Child

Citation: Rev. Stat. § 28-710

A report must be made when any person is responsible for the abuse or neglect of a child.

Exceptions

No exceptions are specified in statute.