Sexual Assault Unit

Idaho state law requires mandatory reporting for suspected child abuse and/or neglect. This law requires anyone, including parents, spouses, counselors, doctors and teachers to report child abuse to either the Department of Health and Welfare or local law enforcement. The law requires that reporting must take place within 24 – hours once an individual is placed on notice or suspects abuse. The only exception to reporting abuse applies to clergymen who have learned of such abuse as a “spiritual advisor.”

In Ada County, reports of suspected abuse and/or neglect can be phoned in to Region IV of the Department of Health and Welfare. That phone number is 334-0808. Reports can also be made to the local law enforcement agency where the abuse occurred.

Additionally, the State of Idaho maintains a web site listing the names and addresses of all registered sex offenders living within the state. Individuals will be able to access that information on line in the spring of 2004. Idaho requires that all individuals who have been found guilty of the following crimes must register as a sexual offender for at least ten years upon release of probation and in some instances up to life time registration: rape, attempted rape, battery with intent to commit rape, kidnapping with the intent to commit lewd conduct, lewd conduct, sexual abuse, sexual battery (felony), solicitation over the internet of child abuse, possession of child pornography, and /or sexual exploitation of a child.