Reporting Child Abuse/Neglect

If you know or suspect that a child is being abused or neglected or has been abused or neglected within the past three (3) years.

If you are unsure whether or not to report, call Washington County Child Protection Intake at 651-430-6457 and a screener will assist you.

Any person can voluntarily report if they know or suspect that a child is being abused or neglected or has been abused or negected in the past three (3) years.

If you are a mandated reporter and you know or suspect that a child is being abused or neglected or has been subjected to abuse or neglect within the past three (3) years, you are required by law to report that information.

The reporter's name is confidential, accessible only if the reporter consents or by a court order.

Your report may help prevent future harm or maltreatment of a child. Child abuse and neglect affects not only the child and the family, but the community and society as a whole.

When you call to make a report, a child protection social worker (screener) will collect the information and determine if the allegation meets the legal definitions for further assessment.

Mandated reporters must also file a written report within 72 hours of their oral report, excluding weekends and holidays.

This reporter form can be sent or faxed to Washington County Child Protection. Fax reports to 651-430-8340.

If the report does not meet the legal criteria, no further action will be taken.

If the report does meet legal criteria for further intervention, the screener will accept the report for assessment. The screener will then determine if a family assessment or an investigation should be completed. The screeners will also assess child safety and risk factors.

If you would like information regarding the disposition of the report, please check "Summary Disposition" on the bottom of the report form.

A summary disposition will then be sent to you by a Child Protection Social Worker, after the investigation or family assessment is completed.

Anyone who reports child abuse or neglect in good faith is immune from civil liability.

Anyone who is required to report known or suspected abuse or neglect who fails to do so can be found guilty of a misdemeanor.