Mandated Reporting
Under Minnesota Statute 626.556, persons in designated professional occupations are mandated to report suspected child abuse or neglect.
Persons who work with children and families are in a position to help protect children from harm. These persons are required by law to report to child protection if they know or have a reason to believe that a child is being abused or neglected or that a child has been neglected or abused within the prior three (3) years.
The individual with direct knowledge of possible child abuse or neglect is individually responsible to report to the police or child protection. Reporting the concern to a supervisor, administrator, or other co-workers does not mitigate your responsibility to report.
The following professionals and their delegates are mandated reporters:
| Health Care Professionals |
Child Care |
| • Hospital Staff |
• Home Child Care Providers |
| • Medical Professionals and Personal |
• Child Care Center Staff |
| • Dental Professionals |
• Babysitters |
| Social Services |
Law Enforcement |
| • Social Workers |
Education |
| • Group Home Staff |
• Teachers and Assistants |
| • Foster Parents |
• School Administrators |
| Mental Health Professionals |
• School Support Staff |
| • Psychologists |
Corrections Management and Staff |
| • Therapists/Counselors |
Probation Officers |
| • Psychiatrists |
Clergy |
| Guardians Ad Litem |
|
If a mandated reporter does not report suspected abuse or neglect, they could be prosecuted for committing a misdemeanor. If a child suffers substantial or great bodily harm as a result of not receiving needed treatment for the abuse or neglect because of a failure to report, it is a gross misdemeanor. If the child dies as a result, it is a felony.
The reporter's name is confidential, accessible only if the reporter consents or by a court order.
You can find more information about mandated reporting in the Resource Guide for Mandated Reporters.
