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Maine Child Molestation Laws

Sex Offender Registry

Maine Sex Offender Search

Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect

Maine Rev. Stat. Tit. 22, § 4011-A sets forth a long list of professionals who are required to report suspected child abuse and neglect (including sexual abuse). The list includes medical and mental health care providers, teachers, school officials, youth camp administrators or counselors, guardians ad litem, law enforcement officials, school bus drivers, clergy members, and commercial film and photographic print processors.

In addition, any other person who knows or has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been or is likely to be abused or neglected may report.

Reports must be made immediately.

Sexual Abuse and Exploitation

Maine Ann. Stat. Tit. 22, § 4002 provides that ‘abuse or neglect’ means a threat to a child’s health or welfare by physical, mental, or emotional injury or impairment, sexual abuse or exploitation, deprivation of essential needs, or lack of protection from these, or failure to ensure compliance with school attendance requirements under Title 20-A, § 3272(2)(B), or § 5051-A(1)(C), by a person responsible for the child.

‘Jeopardy to health or welfare’ or ‘jeopardy’ means serious abuse or neglect, as evidenced by serious harm or threat of serious harm.

‘Serious harm’ means serious injury. ‘Serious injury’ means serious physical injury or impairment.

The term ‘abuse or neglect’ includes a threat to a child’s health or welfare by sexual abuse or exploitation by a person responsible for the child.

‘Serious harm’ includes sexual abuse or exploitation.