Child Abuse and Neglect
If you have a reasonable suspicion that a child (ages 0 to 17) has been
• abused (physically, sexually, or emotionally),
• neglected (physically or emotionally),
• or is at risk of abuse or neglect,
you should report your concerns to Crawford County Health & Human Services:
Phone: 608-326-0248 or Call 911 in the event of an emergency.
Business Hours: Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
After Hours/Weekends/Holidays: Call 911 in the event of an emergency, or contact the Crawford County non-emergency line at 608-326-8414 & ask to speak with the On Call Worker.
WHAT IS CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT
Child abuse is the physical, sexual, or emotional maltreatment of a child (ages 0 to 17) by a parent, family member, other caregiver, or non-caregiver. Physical abuse will involve cuts, broken or fractured bones, burns, internal injuries, or "severe and frequent bruising" inflicted on a child by other than accidental means. Sexual abuse will involve sexual intercourse, other sexual contact, or exploitation. Emotional damage means harm to a child's psychological or intellectual functioning, exhibited to a severe degree. Child neglect is the failure of a parent or other caregiver to provide necessary care (including supervision), food, clothing, shelter, and medical care - for reasons other than poverty - so as to seriously endanger the physical health of a child.
Resources:
WI DCF CPS Website https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/cps/reportabuse
UW Mandatory REPORTING Website https://media.wcwpds.wisc.edu/mandatedreporter/
WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN I REPORT CHILD PROTECTION CONCERNS?
A social worker will write up your report. They will ask for information such as dates of birth, addresses and phone numbers, regarding the child, parent/caregiver, household members and suspected maltreater. They will also ask questions about the suspected abuse or neglect. Please be prepared to provide information. The more information that you share, the better subsequent agency decision-making will be.
A supervisor will review the report for acceptance and urgency decision. The supervisor will make a response time decision if a case is opened or "screened in". Response time is determined by several factors and level of imminent danger. Screened in cases are designated a response time varying from immediate/same day up to 5 business days.
If you make a report and it is not opened for investigation or "screened out", it doesn't mean that your concerns are not valid. Screened out cases may have two outcomes: The case may be closed with no further action taken by our agency. Or the case could be referred to a voluntary program through the agency. A Child Welfare worker would provide support and offer assistance with resources in regards to housing, substance use, mental health, child care resources, parenting assistance for children of all ages, assistance with finances and much more.
Information You Will Be Asked When Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect
• Identifying Information (i.e. names, dates of birth, relationships and addresses of family and household members).
• Specifics of the injury/alleged maltreatment (such as time, place details of injury)
• Access to alleged maltreater (how often does the alleged maltreater have access to the child?)
• Description of the child including current locations (ie: school), functioning (ie: special needs) and vulnerability (ie: young age)
• Description of the parents functioning and parenting practices
• Description of the family, highlighting general functioning, current stresses and how the family might respond to intervention by social services
• Names and contact information for other people who may have information about the child or family.
• Any information you know or suspect about issues concerning the family or prior concerns you have had.
Please be aware that all of the above information is not necessary to report abuse and neglect. The questions above are simply a guide to help prepare you for what will be asked. Even if you do not know all of the answers, please do not hesitate to report.
Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect FAQ
WILL THE FAMILY KNOW THAT I REPORTED?
State law protects reporter confidentiality. We will not disclose your name to the individuals whom you report.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN THE SOCIAL WORKER SEES THE CHILD AND FAMILY?
If at any time it is found that children are in an unsafe environment, Child Protective Services (CPS) has the legal obligation to take action to protect the children, to prevent further abuse and neglect and to preserve families whenever possible. When a social worker meets with the child and family, they will interview the children, parents, and other household members regarding the maltreatment concerns, observe the family home, assess for the child's safety and risks as well as family strengths and needs. Based on the information collected, a determination will be made in accordance with state statutes and standards as to whether maltreatment has occurred and if the child(ren) are safe. Services that may benefit the child(ren) and family will also be identified.
Guide to Child Protective Services Assessment (PDF)
WILL I LEARN WHAT HAPPENED?
You will receive follow up correspondence if you are a mandated reporter. Mandated reporters are professionals who are required by law to report suspected abuse and neglect of any child they see while in the course of their professional duties. The follow up letter will provide basic information about the intervention as state law provides for family confidentiality. The social worker will not send you a letter if you are a non-mandated reporter as state law prohibits this breach of family confidentiality.
For more information regarding mandated reporters, please read the State of Wisconsin Statute 48.981(2).
WHAT IF THERE IS A NEED FOR SERVICES?
If abuse or neglect is not suspected yet a family or child is potentially in need of added support, you may refer them to the Crawford County Community Resource Guide (see link below). Families may also be referred for voluntary services from the Department by contacting (608) 326-0248. The family themselves or a referral source should ask to speak with the Intake Worker who will gather information surrounding the family’s demographics, concerns, and possible service needs. A social Worker will then be assigned to reach out to discuss the concerns and offer services.