If you are a professional who works with children and families, you are in a key position to help protect children from harm. Minnesota law requires professionals and their delegates who work with children to make a child protection report if they know or have reason to believe:
- A child has been neglected or abused within the preceding 3 years
- A child is being neglected or abused
Minnesota laws provide mandated reporters with great personal responsibility. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, you cannot shift the responsibility of reporting to a supervisor, or to someone else in the office, school, clinic, or licensed facility. You alone are required to make the report to the responsible agency.
Anyone who reports child abuse or neglect in good faith is immune from civil liability. If you are required to report known or suspected abuse or neglect and fail to do so, you are guilty of a misdemeanor. The Minnesota Department of Human Services provides a Resource Guide for Mandated Reporters.
To schedule a Mandated Reporter Training, given by local Child Protection staff, please contact Cari Krenik at ckrenik@co.le-sueur.mn.us or at 507-357-8115.