Intro
Reporting Requirements
Types
Talking to
a Child
Making the
Report
Conclusion
Reporting requirements vary slightly for a few groups...
Select the affiliation that best fits you:
Mandated Reporters
by State Statute
Did you find yourself in the left column of the previous page?
If so (or if you're not sure), then choose this affiliation.
UW System
Do you work within the
UW System? *
If so, then choose this affiliation.
* As a UW System employee, you may have a role that falls into s. 48.981. If so, you must follow the "Mandated Reporters by State Statute."
Clergy
Do you hold a position within a church or other faith organization?
If so, then choose this affiliation.
Mandated Reporter Online Training
Certain people in Wisconsin are required either by the state statutes or by an executive order of the governor to report suspected child abuse and neglect. There is a system in place — child protective services and law enforcement agencies, tribal services, community treatment and support services, foster care and the court system — to intervene on behalf of children who may be abused or neglected and to secure their safety.
In order for this system to function, however, someone must first identify and refer the children who might be in need of protection. That is the role of mandated reporters.
Created in cooperation with:
What will I learn?
- My legal responsibilities as a mandated reporter
- The types of child abuse and neglect and their definitions
- How to recognize child abuse and neglect
- How and where to make a report
- What happens after you make a report
- The protections for a reporter under the law
How long will it take?
It should take most learners about 45 to 75 minutes to complete the core of the training. You have opportunities throughout the training to access additional useful information; this optional material will add to the training time.
Does the training include audio?
Yes, this course contains audio content — please have your speakers or headphones ready.
What are some terms I should know?
- Child or Youth:
- These terms are used interchangeably throughout this training to refer to anyone under the age of 18.
- CPS:
-
“CPS” is an abbreviation for "Child Protective Services." CPS is part of a county human services or social services department (or, in Milwaukee, the Division of Milwaukee Child Protective Services). CPS works with others in the community to receive and assess reports of possible child maltreatment, take action to protect the children, and provide services to the children and their families.
- Maltreater:
- A person who abuses or neglects a child, or who threatens a child with abuse or neglect.
- Maltreatment:
- “Maltreatment” refers to child abuse, child neglect, and threatened child abuse or neglect.
- Mandated Reporter:
- A person who is required by Chapter 48 of the Wisconsin Statutes or Executive Order 54 to report suspected child maltreatment.