Mandatory Reporters

Who are mandatory child abuse reporters?

Any of the following persons is required to report their suspicion of child abuse to the local human services agency, local police or county sheriff immediately if, (a) they are seeing the child in the course of their professional duties, (b) they suspect that the child has been abused or neglected, or (c) the child has been threatened with abuse or neglect and that abuse or neglect will occur:

Physician
Coroner
Medical examiner
Nurse
Dentist
Chiropractor
Optometrist
Acupuncturist
Medical or mental health professional not otherwise specified
Social worker
Marriage and family therapist
Professional counselor
Public assistance worker, including a financial and employment planner
School teacher, administrator, counselor, and all school employees not otherwise listed
Family court services mediator
Child care worker in a day care center, group home or residential care center for children and youth
Day care provider
Alcohol or other drug abuse counselor
Member of the treatment staff employed by or working under contract with a county department or a residential care center for children and youth
Physical therapist
Physical therapist assistant
Occupational therapist
Dietitian
Speech language pathologist
Audiologist
Emergency medical technician
First responder
Police or law enforcement officer
Court appointed special advocate
Member of the clergy, except information that he or she receives solely through confidential communications made to him or her privately or in a confessional setting if he or she is authorized to hear or is accustomed to hearing such communications and, under the disciplines, tenets, or traditions of his or her religion, has a duty or is expected to keep those communications secret. (See section 48.981 of the Wisconsin Statutes)

No person may be fired from their job for reporting suspected abuse.

How to make a report

Step 1: Once a young person tells you that they have experienced an abuse, let them know that you believe them and don’t pressure them to give you more information or ask leading questions like “did your dad do this to you?” The best thing you can do is be supportive and let them know that you are required to make a report and answer all questions honestly.

Step 2: If the report comes through your work on the job, notify your supervisor and talk about your decision to make the report.

Step 3: If possible, notify the child’s family about the report and what to expect. You are required to make a report within twenty-four hours of the disclosure about the abuse.

Step 4: Make the report. If you are concerned about a child residing in Milwaukee County, you should call the Division of Milwaukee Child Protective Services at 414-220-SAFE (414-220-7233). To find information about reporting alleged abuse or neglect regarding a child residing in any other Wisconsin County, click here: https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/reportabuse.

Give your name and contact information if you are comfortable. Give as much information about the child that you can. They will assign an investigator and they will call you back with follow-up information if you gave them your contact.

Step 5: Create a safety plan with the young person. Talk about the experience with your supervisor. Take care of yourself. Sometimes the person making the report experiences what we call secondary trauma.

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Mandatory Reporters

Who are mandatory child abuse reporters?

How to make a report

Related Pages

How to Report Child Abuse