The statue is vague! It could cover neglect. Perhaps a mother goes to the confessional. “Forgive me, father, for I have sinned. I am deep in debt and couldn’t

The statue is vague! It could cover neglect. Perhaps a mother goes to the confessional. “Forgive me, father, for I have sinned. I am deep in debt and couldn’t afford food this week for my kids. So I stole $50 from the cash drawer at my job.” Now the priest is aware of a possible child neglect situation. What next? Should he consult a lawyer to find out if he needs to report this or not? Does he report the entire confession? Or just the child neglect part?