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1. What is child abuse and neglect?

Child abuse is the physical, sexual, or emotional maltreatment of a child (ages 0 to 18) 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.

2. What should I do if I believe that a child is abused or neglected?

You should report your concerns to Ozaukee County Department of Human Services if you believe that a child (a boy or girl, ages 0-18) has been:

• abused (physically, sexually, or emotionally)
• is at risk or abuse or neglect
• neglected (physically or emotionally)

3. How do I report concerns?

Contact the Child Protection Access Unit, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. via phone at 262-238-8200 or 262-284-8200. After 5 p.m. on weekdays, holidays, and weekends call your local police nonemergency dispatch.

4. What if I'm not sure I should report?

Please report, a child's health could be in danger! We at Human Services cannot protect children unless they are brought to our attention.

5. Will the family know that I reported?

State law protects reporter confidentiality. We will not disclose your name to the individuals whom you report. You should not be afraid of reprisals if you report. If you have more questions, please contact Human Services.

6. What will happen when I report child protection concerns?

A social service specialist will write up your report. They will need to know the names, ages, and addresses of family members. They will need to hear information 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 and decide if the information reported is sufficient to merit an investigation based on statuary definitions of abuse / neglect. The supervisor will make a response time decision once a decision is made to open a case. Response time is determined by several factors and level of imminent danger. Cases are designated a response of 24 hours or less, or 2-5 days.

If you have question, please contact Human Services.

7. What information is needed when I file a report?

Child Protection Investigative Standards for the State of Wisconsin indicate that when a referral is made we need to gather the following information from the reporter:

• All household members' names and relationships, ages, address, phone numbers, schools, places of employment
• Alleged maltreatment, current and past, and circumstances of the maltreatment
• Description of the child, highlighting current conditions and vulnerability
• Description of the family, highlighting general functioning, current stresses and how the family might respond to intervention
• Description of the parents, highlighting individual functioning and parenting practices
• Names and contact information for other people with information
• Reporter's name, relationship to family, motivation and source of information, if possible
• Whether the child is a Native American Child, as defined by the Indian Child Welfare Act

If you have questions, please contact Human Services.

8. What will happen when the social worker sees the child and family?

Social workers will interview the children and family members regarding the maltreatment concerns. They will assess child safety, child maltreatment, risk factors, and family strengths / needs. They will make determinations as to whether maltreatment as defined in state statues has occurred. They will make decisions as to what sort of services might benefit the children and family.

9. Will the child be removed from their family?

Ozaukee County Department of Human Services strives to keep families together. We serve most children and families in the family home. In cases where there is a safety concern, it may be necessary to remove children from their home. Court action is necessary whenever a child is removed from the parental home. In removal situations, Wisconsin State Statues guide child protection actions by setting forth legal responsibilities for case practice.

If you have questions, please contact Human Services.

10. Will I learn the outcome?

You will receive follow-up correspondence if you are a mandated reporter. Mandated reporters are professionals who are required by law to report suspected maltreatment. The letter will provide basic information about the intervention only, as state law provides for family confidentiality.

The social worker will not write you if you are a non-mandated reporter as state law prohibits this breach of family confidentiality. A mandated reporter is a:

• Acupuncturist
• Alcohol or other drug counselor
• Audiologist
• Child care worker
• Chiropractor
• Clergy
• Coroner
• Court-appointed special advocate
• Day care provider
• Dentist
• Dietitian
• Emergency medical technician
• First responder
• Marriage and family therapist
• Mediator
• Medical examiner
• Medical or mental health professional
• Nurse
• Occupational therapist
• Optometrist
• Physical therapist and their assistants
• Physician
• Police or law enforcement officer
• Professional counselor
• Public assistance worker (which includes a financial and employment planner)
• School administrator
• School counselor
• School teacher
• Social worker
• Speech-language pathologist

If you have any questions, please contact Human Services.