Here's a summary of the law in Washington State (US). In researching this, I have discovered that it seems a fairly recent revision of this law ommitted a previous reference to "clergy." I'll be looking into that a bit deeper.
National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information
WASHINGTON
Wash. Rev. Code Ann. 26.44.030(1)(a)-(c), (2) (West, WESTLAW through 1999 1st Sp. Sess.)
WHO MUST REPORT
Practitioners; county coroners or medical examiners; pharmacists; registered or licensed nurses; Professional school personnel; licensed or certified child care providers or their employees; Social service counselors; psychologists; Employees of the State Department of Social and Health Services; juvenile probation officers; law enforcement officers; personnel of the Department of Corrections; placement and liaison specialists; Responsible living skills program staff; HOPE center staff; State family and children's ombudsman or any volunteer in the ombudsman's office; Any adult with whom a child resides.
CIRCUMSTANCES
When they have reasonable cause to believe that a child has suffered abuse or neglect; The reporting requirement does not apply to the discovery of abuse or neglect that occurred during childhood if it is discovered after the child has become an adult. However, if there is reasonable cause to believe other children are or may be at risk of abuse or neglect by the accused, the reporting requirements shall apply.
PRIVILEGED COMMUNICATIONS
Wash. Rev. Code Ann. 26.44.060(3) (West Supp. 1999)
Conduct conforming with the reporting requirements shall not be deemed a violation of the confidential communication privilege of RCW 5.60.060, 18.53.200, and 18.83.110.
Edited by - Nathan Natas on 2 October 2002 9:55:31