Show All Answers

1. What is child abuse and neglect?

Wisconsin's Law Defines Abuse As:

Physical Abuse- Physical injury inflicted on a child by other than accidental means. Physical injury includes, but is not limited to, lacerations, fractured bones, internal injuries, severe or frequent bruising, or great bodily harm.

Sexual Abuse- Sexual intercourse or sexual touching of a child, sexual exploitation, forced viewing of sexual activity, or permitting, allowing, or encouraging a child to engage in prostitution
.
Emotional Damage- Harm to a child's psychological or intellectual functioning that is exhibited by severe anxiety, depression, withdrawal, or aggression. Emotional Damage may be demonstrated by observable changes in behavior, emotional response or learning, which are incompatible with the child's age or stage of development.

Neglect- 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 so as to seriously endanger the physical health of the child.

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

If you suspect that a child has been abused or neglected or if you suspect that a child is at risk of being abused or neglected, you can make a report to a Douglas County Department of Health and Human Services Access Intake Worker at (715) 395-1304. If there is an emergency situation occurring or if you need to make a report outside normal business hours, phone 9-1-1.

3. What information is helpful when I make a child abuse report?

Explain what is happening or happened to the child. Describe, in as much detail as possible, the nature of the abuse or neglect; firsthand information or direct knowledge is the best source of reporting abuse/neglect. Information defined; name of child; date of birth of child; name of mother/father of child; school attendance of child; special needs.

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

Social workers will interview children and family members regarding the maltreatment concerns. They will assess present or impending danger threats to child safety and family strengths and needs. They will make determinations as to whether maltreatment, as defined in state statutes, has occurred. The social worker will make decisions as to services which may benefit the children and family.