The Bradley County Juvenile Court would bring to the public's attention the law regarding reporting of child abuse. Tennessee law requires every person to report any suspicion of child abuse or neglect.
Tennessee Code Ann.§ 37-1-403 states that "any person who has knowledge of or is called upon to render aid to any child who is suffering from or has sustained any wound, injury, disability, or physical or mental condition shall report such harm immediately if the harm is of such a nature as to reasonably indicate that it has been caused by brutality, abuse or neglect .... " Further, Tennessee Code Ann.§ 37-1-605 states that "any person ... who knows or has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been sexually abused shall report such knowledge or suspicion .... "
The reports may be made to: (1) the Juvenile Court judge with jurisdiction over the child; (2) the Department of Children's Services; (3) the sheriff of the county where the child resides; or ( 4) the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality where the child resides.
The Department of Children's Services Child Abuse Hotline is: 1-877-237-0004, or 1-877-542-2873. The Bradley County Sheriff's Department nonemergency number is 728-7311. The Cleveland Police Department's nonemergency number is 476-7511. The Charleston City Police Department's non-emergency number is 728-7311. The number of the office of the Bradley County Juvenile Court Judge is 728-7046. Reports can be made on-line via the DCS website. Of course, if the matter is an emergency, please call 911.
A failure to report child abuse is a misdemeanor under both statutes. Please understand that we take these matters seriously and need you to be sure to report allegations of abuse. The court will take every step necessary to ensure that the children of Bradley County are protected and kept safe.
Andrew B. Morgan, Bradley County Juvenile Court Judge