Mandatory Reporting
Under Minnesota Statute 260E.06, 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 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 coworkers does not mitigate your responsibility to report.
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 on the Washington County website in the Resource Guide for Mandated Reporters.
How To Report Suspected Abuse/Neglect
Verbal reports must be made immediately (no longer than 24 hours). A verbal report by a mandated reporter must be followed within 72 hours, excluding holidays and weekends, by a written report of alleged maltreatment.
If a child is in immediate danger, or to request an immediate welfare check, call 9-1-1 or your local police department.
To make a verbal report on suspected abuse or neglect of a child:
Call Washington County Community Services at 651-430-6457 during normal business hours, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Call the Washington County Crisis Response Unit at 651-275-7400 during the evening, weekend, or holidays.
To make a written report on suspected abuse or neglect of a child:
Please fill out and submit this online form: Referral of Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect.
Submissions lacking identifying information may result in a report not being accepted.