How to Report

Wisconsin (WI)

Who is required to report?

Citation: Ann. Stat. § 48.981

The following professionals are required to report:

Physicians, coroners, medical examiners, nurses, dentists, chiropractors, optometrists, acupuncturists, other medical or mental health professionals, physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, dietitians, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, audiologists, emergency medical technicians, or emergency medical services practitioners
Schoolteachers, administrators, or counselors
School employees not otherwise specified above
Child care workers in child care centers, group homes, or residential care centers, or child care providers
Alcohol or other drug abuse counselors, marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, genetic counselors, or members of the treatment staff employed by or working under contract with a county department or a residential care center for children and youth
Social workers, public assistance workers (including financial and employment planners), emergency medical responders, police or law enforcement officers, mediators, or court-appointed special advocates
Members of the clergy or a religious order, including brothers, ministers, monks, nuns, priests, rabbis, or sisters

When is a report required?

Citation: Ann. Stat. § 48.981(2)-(3)

A mandated reporter who has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been abused or neglected, or who has reason to believe that a child seen by the person in the course of professional duties has been threatened with abuse or neglect and that abuse or neglect of the child will occur, immediately shall make a report, either by telephone or personally.

What information should the report include?

Citation: Ann. Stat. § 48.981(3)

Facts and circumstances contributing to a suspicion of child abuse or neglect or of unborn child abuse or to a belief that abuse or neglect will occur.

Failure to report

Citation: Ann. Stat. § 48.981(6)