{"id":4509,"date":"2020-11-18T15:40:57","date_gmt":"2020-11-18T21:40:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/compliance\/?page_id=4509"},"modified":"2025-09-25T13:03:54","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T18:03:54","slug":"report-child-abuse","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/compliance\/youth-protection\/report-child-abuse\/","title":{"rendered":"Report Child Abuse"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"cfct-build-4509\" class=\"cfct-build grid\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-md-7 cfct-block\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"cfct-module uwsa-rich-text\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"cfct-mod-content copy\"><p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Under Governor\u2019s Executive Order #54 (EO 54), all\u00a0<strong>UW employees are mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect<\/strong> and have an obligation to report directly to the authorities. At UW, this mandate includes volunteers and contractors working on behalf of the university.<\/p>\n<p>As an employee, volunteer, or contractor, it is critical that you understand your obligation to report, what to report, and how to report. The information on this page is only an overview.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><div class=\"col-md-5 cfct-block\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"cfct-module uwsa-callout\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"cfct-mod-content callout standard grey-bg\">\n    <h4>Report Child Abuse and Neglect<\/h4><p>Child Protective Services Agency Contact Information<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"btn btn-primary btn-sm \" role=\"button\" href=\"https:\/\/dcf.wisconsin.gov\/reportabuse\">Find Agency<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-md-6 cfct-block\"><\/div><div class=\"col-md-6 cfct-block\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-md-12 cfct-block\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"cfct-module cfct-heading\">\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"cfct-mod-title\">Why must I report?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"cfct-module uwsa-tabs-accordions\">\n\t\t\t\t    <div class=\"bs-accordion \">\n        <div id=\"wg7wn\" class=\"panel-group\">\n        \n            <div class=\"panel panel-default \" id=\"panel_requirements-for-mandatory-reporting-of-child-abuse-and-neglect\">\n    <div class=\"panel-heading\" id=\"heading_requirements-for-mandatory-reporting-of-child-abuse-and-neglect\">\n        <h4 class=\"panel-title\"><button href=\"#requirements-for-mandatory-reporting-of-child-abuse-and-neglect\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" class=\"collapsed panel-link\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"requirements-for-mandatory-reporting-of-child-abuse-and-neglect\">REQUIREMENTS FOR MANDATORY REPORTING OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT<\/button><\/h4>    <\/div>\n    <div id=\"requirements-for-mandatory-reporting-of-child-abuse-and-neglect\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\"  role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"heading_requirements-for-mandatory-reporting-of-child-abuse-and-neglect\" role=\"region\">\n        <div class=\"panel-body copy\">            \n            \n        <p>In accordance with Wisconsin Executive Order #54, or EO 54, all UW employees are required to immediately report child abuse or neglect to Child Protective Services (CPS) or law enforcement if, in the course of employment, the employee observes an incident or threat of child abuse or neglect, or learns of an incident or threat of child abuse or neglect, and the employee has reasonable cause to believe that child abuse or neglect has occurred or will occur. Volunteers and contractors working for UW institution\u2019s sponsored programs or activities are also expected to report suspected abuse or neglect.<\/p>                <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n            <div class=\"panel panel-default \" id=\"panel_services-and-protection\">\n    <div class=\"panel-heading\" id=\"heading_services-and-protection\">\n        <h4 class=\"panel-title\"><button href=\"#services-and-protection\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" class=\"collapsed panel-link\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"services-and-protection\">SERVICES AND PROTECTION<\/button><\/h4>    <\/div>\n    <div id=\"services-and-protection\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\"  role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"heading_services-and-protection\" role=\"region\">\n        <div class=\"panel-body copy\">            \n            \n        <p>Deciding to get involved in a situation of suspected abuse or neglect can be difficult. It is, however, a decision that may be crucial to a child not only today, but also in the future.<\/p><p>Caregivers or maltreaters who have abused or neglected their children may need services and support to provide safe care for their children. The sooner an issue is reported, the sooner the child can be helped.<\/p><p>No UW employee making a report of suspected child abuse or neglect to Child Protective Services or law enforcement, in good faith, may be discharged from employment, disciplined, or otherwise discriminated against in regard to employment, or threatened with any such treatment, for so doing.<\/p>                <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n            \n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"cfct-module uwsa-rich-text\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"cfct-mod-content copy\"><h2>What do I report?<\/h2>\n<h4>Definition of a Child<\/h4>\n<p>For the purpose of reporting child abuse and neglect, a &#8220;child&#8221; is a person who is less than 18 years of age.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"cfct-module uwsa-tabs-accordions\">\n\t\t\t\t    <div class=\"bs-accordion \">\n        <div id=\"3b05c\" class=\"panel-group\">\n        \n            <div class=\"panel panel-default \" id=\"panel_physical-abuse\">\n    <div class=\"panel-heading\" id=\"heading_physical-abuse\">\n        <h4 class=\"panel-title\"><button href=\"#physical-abuse\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" class=\"collapsed panel-link\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"physical-abuse\">Physical Abuse<\/button><\/h4>    <\/div>\n    <div id=\"physical-abuse\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\"  role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"heading_physical-abuse\" role=\"region\">\n        <div class=\"panel-body copy\">            \n            \n        <p><strong>Definition<\/strong>: Physical injury inflicted on a child by other than accidental means. Physical injury includes, but is not limited to, lacerations, fractured bones, burns, internal injuries, severe or frequent bruising, or great bodily harm.<\/p><p><strong>Signs of physical abuse<\/strong><\/p><ul><li>bruises and welts<\/li><li>injuries in the shape of an object (e.g., a belt or cord)<\/li><li>unexplained burns on palms, soles of feet, back<\/li><li>fractures that do not fit the story of how an injury occurred<\/li><li>delay in seeking medical help<\/li><li>extremes in behavior: very aggressive or withdrawn and shy<\/li><li>afraid to go home<\/li><li>frightened of parents<\/li><li>fearful of other adults<\/li><\/ul>                <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n            <div class=\"panel panel-default \" id=\"panel_sexual-abuse\">\n    <div class=\"panel-heading\" id=\"heading_sexual-abuse\">\n        <h4 class=\"panel-title\"><button href=\"#sexual-abuse\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" class=\"collapsed panel-link\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"sexual-abuse\">Sexual Abuse<\/button><\/h4>    <\/div>\n    <div id=\"sexual-abuse\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\"  role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"heading_sexual-abuse\" role=\"region\">\n        <div class=\"panel-body copy\">            \n            \n        <p><strong>Definition<\/strong>: Sexual intercourse or sexual touching of a child; recording or displaying of a child engaged in sexually explicit conduct; forcing a child to view or listen to sexual activity; exposing genitals or pubic area to a child or exposing a child\u2019s genitals or pubic area for purposes of sexual gratification; or permitting, allowing, or encouraging a child to engage in prostitution.<\/p><p><strong>Signs of sexual abuse<\/strong><\/p><ul><li>pain, swelling or itching in genital area<\/li><li>bruises, bleeding, discharge in genital area<\/li><li>difficulty walking or sitting, frequent urination, pain<\/li><li>stained or bloody underclothing<\/li><li>venereal disease<\/li><li>refusal to take part in gym or other exercises<\/li><li>poor peer relationships<\/li><li>unusual interest in sex for age<\/li><li>drastic change in school achievement<\/li><li>runaway or delinquent<\/li><li>regressive or childlike behavior<\/li><\/ul>                <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n            <div class=\"panel panel-default \" id=\"panel_emotional-abuse\">\n    <div class=\"panel-heading\" id=\"heading_emotional-abuse\">\n        <h4 class=\"panel-title\"><button href=\"#emotional-abuse\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" class=\"collapsed panel-link\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"emotional-abuse\">Emotional Abuse<\/button><\/h4>    <\/div>\n    <div id=\"emotional-abuse\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\"  role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"heading_emotional-abuse\" role=\"region\">\n        <div class=\"panel-body copy\">            \n            \n        <p><strong>Definition<\/strong>: \u201cEmotional damage\u201d for which the child\u2019s parent, guardian, or legal custodian has neglected, refused or been unable, for reasons other than poverty, to obtain the necessary treatment or take steps to ameliorate the symptoms.<\/p><h4>Emotional Damage<\/h4><p><strong>Definition<\/strong>: Harm to a child\u2019s psychological or intellectual functioning which is exhibited by severe anxiety, depression, withdrawal, or aggression. Emotional damage may be demonstrated by substantial and observable changes in behavior, emotional response, or learning which are incompatible with the child\u2019s age or stage of development.<\/p><p><strong>Signs of emotional damage<\/strong><\/p><ul><li>low self-esteem<\/li><li>self-denigration<\/li><li>severe depression<\/li><li>aggression<\/li><li>withdrawal<\/li><li>severe anxiety<\/li><\/ul>                <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n            <div class=\"panel panel-default \" id=\"panel_neglect\">\n    <div class=\"panel-heading\" id=\"heading_neglect\">\n        <h4 class=\"panel-title\"><button href=\"#neglect\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" class=\"collapsed panel-link\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"neglect\">Neglect<\/button><\/h4>    <\/div>\n    <div id=\"neglect\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\"  role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"heading_neglect\" role=\"region\">\n        <div class=\"panel-body copy\">            \n            \n        <p><strong>Definition<\/strong>: When a parent or caretaker fails, refuses, or is unable, for reasons other than poverty, to provide the necessary care, food, clothing, medical or dental care, or shelter, which seriously endangers the physical health of the child.<\/p><p><strong>Signs of neglect<\/strong><\/p><ul><li>poor hygiene, odor<\/li><li>inappropriately dressed for weather<\/li><li>needs medical or dental care<\/li><li>left alone, unsupervised for long periods<\/li><li>failure to thrive, malnutrition<\/li><li>constant hunger, begs or steals food<\/li><li>extreme willingness to please<\/li><li>frequent absence from school<\/li><li>arrives early and stays late at school or play areas or other people\u2019s homes<\/li><\/ul>                <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n            <div class=\"panel panel-default \" id=\"panel_threatened-abuse-of-neglect\">\n    <div class=\"panel-heading\" id=\"heading_threatened-abuse-of-neglect\">\n        <h4 class=\"panel-title\"><button href=\"#threatened-abuse-of-neglect\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" class=\"collapsed panel-link\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"threatened-abuse-of-neglect\">Threatened Abuse of Neglect<\/button><\/h4>    <\/div>\n    <div id=\"threatened-abuse-of-neglect\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\"  role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"heading_threatened-abuse-of-neglect\" role=\"region\">\n        <div class=\"panel-body copy\">            \n            \n        <p>Threatened abuse or neglect refers to behaviors or conditions a child is exposed to that are dangerous to the child and likely to result in abuse or neglect.<\/p><p><strong>Signs of threatened abuse or neglect<\/strong><\/p><p>Identify behaviors or conditions that are dangerous or becoming dangerous to a child. Consider the possibility of threatened abuse or neglect when you observe or become aware of the following:<\/p><ul><li>Minor injuries that are cause for concern, including bruising on a non-mobile child; bruising or scrapes to vulnerable parts of a child\u2019s body; or an escalating pattern of corporal punishment that increases in severity or frequency.<\/li><li>Exposure to violence, even if a child has not yet been injured, when there is domestic violence or a violent person in the home.<\/li><li>Exposure to dangerous people or situations, including previous abusers or criminal activity.<\/li><li>An impaired caregiver, when there is no one else in the home to provide necessary care or protection.<\/li><\/ul>                <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n            <div class=\"panel panel-default \" id=\"panel_abuse-as-manufacturing-of-methamphetamine\">\n    <div class=\"panel-heading\" id=\"heading_abuse-as-manufacturing-of-methamphetamine\">\n        <h4 class=\"panel-title\"><button href=\"#abuse-as-manufacturing-of-methamphetamine\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" class=\"collapsed panel-link\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"abuse-as-manufacturing-of-methamphetamine\">Abuse as manufacturing of methamphetamine <\/button><\/h4>    <\/div>\n    <div id=\"abuse-as-manufacturing-of-methamphetamine\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\"  role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"heading_abuse-as-manufacturing-of-methamphetamine\" role=\"region\">\n        <div class=\"panel-body copy\">            \n            \n        <p><strong>Definition<\/strong>: The criminal manufacture of methamphetamine is defined as child abuse when it is done under any of the following circumstances:<\/p><ul><li>A child is present.<\/li><li>It is manufactured in a child\u2019s home, on the premises of a child\u2019s home, or in a motor vehicle on the premises of a child\u2019s home.<\/li><li>It is manufactured under any other circumstances where a reasonable person should have known that the manufacture would be seen, smelled, or heard by a child.<\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Signs of exposure to methamphetamine manufacture<\/strong><\/p><p>Consider the possibility of meth manufacture in a child\u2019s environment when you see or become aware of the following in a child, particularly in combination:<\/p><ul><li>painful or burning eyes or eye irritation<\/li><li>skin irritation and redness or burns<\/li><li>sneezing and chronic coughing, congestion, or fever<\/li><li>chest pain, difficulty breathing, or shortness of breath<\/li><li>vomiting, diarrhea, or nausea<\/li><li>headaches<\/li><li>rapid heart rate<\/li><li>jaundice or dark-colored urine<\/li><li>extreme irritability<\/li><\/ul>                <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n            \n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"cfct-module uwsa-rich-text\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"cfct-mod-content copy\"><h2>How do I report?<\/h2>\n<h4><strong>If there is an emergency or a child is in immediate danger, call 911.<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"cfct-module uwsa-tabs-accordions\">\n\t\t\t\t    <div class=\"bs-accordion \">\n        <div id=\"a15xv\" class=\"panel-group\">\n        \n            <div class=\"panel panel-default \" id=\"panel_how-to-report-child-abuse-or-neglect\">\n    <div class=\"panel-heading\" id=\"heading_how-to-report-child-abuse-or-neglect\">\n        <h4 class=\"panel-title\"><button href=\"#how-to-report-child-abuse-or-neglect\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" class=\"collapsed panel-link\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"how-to-report-child-abuse-or-neglect\">How to Report Child Abuse or Neglect<\/button><\/h4>    <\/div>\n    <div id=\"how-to-report-child-abuse-or-neglect\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\"  role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"heading_how-to-report-child-abuse-or-neglect\" role=\"region\">\n        <div class=\"panel-body copy\">            \n            \n        <p>Any\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/dcf.wisconsin.gov\/reportabuse\">local Child Protective Services(CPS) agency<\/a>\u00a0can take your report.\u00a0<strong>If the abuse is happening now or is violent in nature, call<\/strong>\u00a0<strong>911<\/strong>.<\/p>                <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n            <div class=\"panel panel-default \" id=\"panel_what-to-report\">\n    <div class=\"panel-heading\" id=\"heading_what-to-report\">\n        <h4 class=\"panel-title\"><button href=\"#what-to-report\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" class=\"collapsed panel-link\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"what-to-report\">What to Report<\/button><\/h4>    <\/div>\n    <div id=\"what-to-report\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\"  role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"heading_what-to-report\" role=\"region\">\n        <div class=\"panel-body copy\">            \n            \n        <p>You do not need to be an expert in the definitions of abuse and neglect. It is the responsibility of Child Protective Services (<abbr title=\"Child Protective Services\">CPS<\/abbr>), law enforcement and court systems. You just need to understand the signs of possible abuse and neglect so you are prepared to recognize situations that may need to be reported.<\/p>                <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n            <div class=\"panel panel-default \" id=\"panel_additional-campus-reporting\">\n    <div class=\"panel-heading\" id=\"heading_additional-campus-reporting\">\n        <h4 class=\"panel-title\"><button href=\"#additional-campus-reporting\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" class=\"collapsed panel-link\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"additional-campus-reporting\">Additional Campus Reporting<\/button><\/h4>    <\/div>\n    <div id=\"additional-campus-reporting\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\"  role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"heading_additional-campus-reporting\" role=\"region\">\n        <div class=\"panel-body copy\">            \n            \n        <p>In addition to notifying Child Protective Services or law enforcement, the reporter must also make an internal report to campus if either of the following apply:<\/p><ul><li>The incident or threat of child abuse or neglect involves an allegation against a university employee or an agent of the university (e.g. a student or volunteer).<\/li><li>The incident or threat of child abuse or neglect occurred on campus or during a campus sponsored activity.<\/li><\/ul>                <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n            \n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"cfct-module uwsa-rich-text\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"cfct-mod-content copy\"><h2>Resources<\/h2>\n<h3>Questions?<\/h3>\n<p>You may ask questions about your duty to report child abuse or neglect in order to determine if a report is necessary. However, do not delay making a report in order to wait for answers. If you are unsure about making a report, please contact either your campus police department or local <a href=\"https:\/\/dcf.wisconsin.gov\/reportabuse\">Child Protective Services<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>If you have general questions about Mandatory Reporting training, other reporting obligations, or your responsibilities as a UW employee or volunteer, contact:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/compliance\/\"><strong>Office of Compliance and Integrity<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Additional Resources<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Wisconsin Department of Children and Families: <a href=\"https:\/\/dcf.wisconsin.gov\/cps\/mandatedreporters\">Mandated Child Abuse and Neglect Reporters<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.legis.wisconsin.gov\/code\/executive_orders\/2011_scott_walker\/2011-54.pdf\">Wisconsin Governor\u2019s Executive Order # 54<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Mandated Reporters by professional role: <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.legis.wisconsin.gov\/document\/statutes\/48.981(2)\">Wisconsin Statutes s.48.981(2)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/ohrwd\/practice-directives\/child-safety-and-executive-order-54\/\">UW Human Resources Practice Directive GEN B: Child Safety and Executive Order #54<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/uwsa\/policies\/docs\/mandatory-reporting-of-child-abuse-and-neglect-policy-executive-order-54\/\">UWSA Internal Policy HR-7: Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect Policy (Executive Order 54)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":3171,"featured_media":0,"parent":379,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-4509","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","cfct-can-haz-build"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/compliance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4509","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/compliance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/compliance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/compliance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3171"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/compliance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4509"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/compliance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4509\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11070,"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/compliance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4509\/revisions\/11070"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/compliance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/379"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/compliance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4509"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}