reporting abuse

 *The information on this page is specific to Minnesota. Please consult local authorities for information about statutes or practices outside of Minnesota. 

If you are worried about the safety and well-being of a child, call Child Protection. CP will cross report with the appropriate law enforcement agency. 

Southwest Health and Human Services (serving Redwood, Lyon, Lincoln, Murry, Pipestone and Rock Counties) 1-888-964-8407

Renville County Human Services  320-523-2202 

List of all Minnesota County contacts can be found here

You may be asked for the following information:

• The names and age of the child(ren) and people involved
• The name(s) of their caregivers
• The location, address, and relationship of the child and people involved
• Your observed concerns or the concerns you’ve heard
• Your involvement with the people involved
• Your information for possible further questions or follow up

Remember: it is not your job to investigate or to confront an alleged abuser.  The information you need to make a report are the basics regarding what happened and who allegedly hurt the child.

It's ok to make a report without all of this information. The reporter's identity is required to be confidential.

You may also call the local law enforcement agency where the incident occurred and they will cross report with child protection. 

People who must report

Anyone who is a professional or a professional's delegate engaged in the practice of the healing arts, social services, hospital administration, psychological or psychiatric treatment, child care, education, law enforcement, or employed as a member of the clergy.

What must be reported

When a mandated reporter knows or has reason to believe that a child is being neglected or physically or sexually abused by a person responsible for the child's care, or has been so within the previous three years, a report must be made. A person responsible for a child's care includes family members, teachers, day care providers, and coaches, and can include anyone lawfully entrusted with a child's care.

Reporting neglect and abuse

A mandated reporter must report to the local police department, the county sheriff, or the local county social services agency. These agencies cross report to one other.

Failure to report

If a mandated reporter fails to report, the person could be prosecuted. This crime ranges from a misdemeanor to a felony, depending on the harm suffered by the child. Also, depending upon the mandated reporter’s position, the person may be disqualified from having professional contact with vulnerable people in the course of their work.

Mandated reporters are immune from liability

Mandated reporters are immune from liability for any report made in good faith. An employer cannot retaliate against a mandated reporter for making a good faith report. Reporter’s identity is protected unless a court order releases the person’s identity upon a showing by the subject of the report that the report was in bad faith.

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/626.556#stat.626.556.3