Definitions
Mandated reporters include people who work with children in health care, social services, education, mental health, child care, law enforcement, the courts, clergy, corrections, and youth recreation programs.
State law requires people in these designated occupations to make a report if they believe that a child has been maltreated within the past three years by a parent, guardian, family child care provider, family foster care provider or juvenile correctional facility staff person.
Read more:
Minnesota statute 260E.06
Resource Guide for Mandated Reporters
Mandated reporter training
We offer in-person and virtual training for agencies that employ mandated reporters. The training covers definitions of child abuse and neglect, what happens after a child protection report is made, reflections on child safety, and mandated reporter legal and ethical responsibilities.
To schedule a training or for more information, contact Kristen.Huffman@hennepin.us or cfsinfo@hennepin.us.
Mandated reporters should
Call 911
If a child is in immediate danger, call emergency services. Do not delay.
Make a report or call to consult
Call 612-348-3552 within 24 hours of the information being known and personally file a written report within 72 hours of the verbal report (excluding weekends and holidays).
Not sure if you need to report? Call to consult with staff.
Consequences of inaction
Failure by a mandated reporter to report suspected abuse or neglect is a misdemeanor-level crime. If failure to report results in substantial bodily harm, it is a gross misdemeanor. If the child dies, it is a felony.
Liability
As a mandated reporter, your name is confidential, accessible only if you consent, by a court order or by a court procedure. If the child protection report results in a court hearing, you may be asked to testify.
Learn the outcome
You can find out if the report has been accepted for investigation. Unless this information would be detrimental to the best interests of the child, you also will receive a summary about Hennepin County’s disposition of the report. This summary includes what was determined, the nature of the maltreatment, and the services provided.