DE SB251

Exempts mental health professionals from mandatory child abuse/neglect reporting requirements if they learn of suspected abuse only after the victim turns 18 years old and the perpetrator has no pattern of abusing children or access to children in positions of trust.

Defines "mental health professional" to include licensed counselors, therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, clinical social workers, and certain nurses working in mental health fields, as well as students in approved training programs in these disciplines.

Broadens the definition of "person" required to report suspected child abuse to include all legal entities and individuals rather than listing specific professions, while maintaining the same mandatory reporting obligations.

Maintains mandatory reporting responsibility for mental health professionals if they know or reasonably suspect the perpetrator has subjected any child to abuse/neglect or holds a position of trust/authority/supervision over any child.

Replaces references to "Division of Family Services" with references to Section 904 of Title 16 for internal consistency in the statute.