You can report suspected child maltreatment 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A child protection social worker will assist you even if you are not sure whether or not to make a report.
If you are a mandated reporter, you should call to make a report within 24 hours and personally file a written report within 72 hours of the verbal report (excluding weekends and holidays). Please see the Information for mandated reporters section below for additional guidance.
By phone
Call child protection services at 612-348-3552. Press 1 to make a report.
Online
Fill out the online reporting form.
Print
Print out a form, fill out as much information as you can, and fax it to 612-466-9581. Printable reporting form (PDF)
Be prepared to provide information
- Information about the family, including the names and addresses of the child and parents
- Specific descriptions of the suspected abuse and neglect to the child, including what happened, when it occurred and the identity of the abuser
Other helpful information
- The child’s school
- Other witnesses
- The child’s location
- Names of other family and household members
After the report
Screening
Multidisciplinary teams review reports of child maltreatment in order to determine whether or not the report meets the criteria for an investigation or assessment.
If the report doesn’t meet the criteria requiring an investigation or assessment, no further action is taken. However, a record of the report will be recorded and maintained.
Assessment or investigation
Cases can be assigned to one of two tracks: assessment or investigation. This is determined by statute and state screening guidelines.
Family Investigation is used when reported information meets criteria for substantial child endangerment, or if there is an immediate child safety concern. Other reports are assigned for Family Assessment, a strengths-based approach that connects families to the resources and services they need to reduce the risk of future child maltreatment.
The investigation process is similar for either track, but a Family Investigation case requires a decision about maltreatment. Family Assessment cases do not result in a maltreatment determination.
Keeping children safe
The mission of child protection is to prevent any future maltreatment (abuse or neglect). If a child is not safe in their home, it may be necessary to place the child outside of the home. If out-of-home placement is necessary, due to significant and ongoing safety issues, work will continue with the parents toward the goal of returning the child home as soon as it is safe to do so. In cases when a safe return to the parents' home is not possible, alternative, permanent options are identified, which could include transfer of legal custody or adoption.
Learn more about foster care and adoption.