Reporting Child Abuse

When a child reports possible abuse...

What to Do:

• Prepare - a child may disclose abuse whenever you are around children
• Give the child your undivided attention
• Document the child’s exact words
• Provide an appropriate and supportive response such as "I believe you" or "It's not your fault"
• Reassure the child about telling by saying something like "I'm so proud you told"
• Reassure the child that he or she is not in trouble with you
• Respect the child and her or his disclosure
• Call 911 immediately
• Consider how your body language, facial expression and words may affect the child
• Consider the child’s safety – e.g. can the child go home today?
• Consider the child’s privacy

• Do not react with panic or other strong emotions
• Do not try to conduct your own investigation or try to validate the child’s report
• Do not ask detail-seeking questions
• Do not use interview tools such as dolls or diagrams to learn more
• Do not ask the child to repeat his or her statement for others
• Do not share the information with those who don’t need to know
• Do not confront or challenge the child
• Do not try to reframe what the child has told you
• Do not lie or make promises about what will happen next

If possible, call Law Enforcement in the location where you believe the abuse to have occurred

• Click here for a link to Law Enforcement agencies in Minnesota
• Click below for information about making a report outside of Minnesota:
  ChildHelpUSA or Child Abuse Reporting Numbers
  

If possible, call Child Protection in the county where the child lives

• Click here for a list of Child Protection Agencies and Sheriff’s Departments in Minnesota
• Click below for information about making a report in another state:
  ChildHelpUSA or Child Abuse Reporting Numbers
  

Financial Assistance for Victims of Violent Crime

Crime Victims Reparations may assist caregivers of abused children pay for mental health services. Find out more information about these programs for Minnesota or Nationwide.

For Help Finding Mental Health Support Services

• Twin Cities Metro Area
• Greater Minnesota
• Nationwide