Reporting Not Required For Information On Abuse Learned By Priest During Confession

In Parents of Minor Child v. Charlet, (LA App., Oct. 21, 2013), a Louisiana appellate court held that a Catholic priest is not required to report information to authorities regarding the sexual abuse of a minor that the priest learned through confession in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Nor is there a cause of action against a priest for negligent advice given during the Sacrament. The court held further that there is no private right of action against a mandatory reporter for failure to report child sexual abuse.  The reporting statute is enforceable only through criminal prosecution.  Justice Kuhn filed a separate concurring opinion.