In Wisconsin:
In Cost:
- Child Abuse In WI
- CAC Impact
- Resources for Professionals
- Mandated Reporters of Child Abuse
Child Abuse in WI
It is difficult to determine exactly how many children are abused and neglected each year. Several state and national studies have been conducted, but because of the way the data was collected the results can be misleading and may not present an entirely accurate picture. For instance, we know that most research is based on cases of child abuse and neglect that have been substantiated by child protective services agencies, agencies which, due to their limited resources, are usually only able intervene in cases deemed to be of serious concern. We also know that many cases of abuse and neglect are never even reported. However, the most current data report that:
In 2022, in Wisconsin, there were:
- Child Protective Services agencies screened in 22,137 total referrals of child maltreatment
- Of the 22,137 total referrals, 4,386 were substantiated for child maltreatment
- 2,664 cases were substantiated for neglect
- 635 cases were substantiated for physical abuse
- 1,066 cases were substantiated for sexual abuse
- 21 cases were substantiated for emotional abuse
- 22 substantiated cases involved a child having died due to child abuse and neglect
To download the 2022 Wisconsin Child Abuse and Neglect Report click here: Wisconsin Child Abuse and Neglect Report, DCF-P-5693
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Reporting Child Abuse
Signs of child abuse can be subtle, and in many cases, nonexistent. Changes in a child’s routine or new unexplained behaviors are worth a second look.
What to look for:
- Unexplained injuries
- Changes in emotional behavior
- Returning to less mature/younger behaviors
- Fear of going home
- Changes in eating
- Changes to sleep patterns
- Changes in school performance or attendance
- Lack of personal care in hygiene
- Risk-taking behaviors
- Inappropriate sexual behavior
To report suspected child abuse, contact your local child welfare office or local law enforcement. Click HERE for additional information.
Wisconsin Child Abuse Network
WI CAN is an inter-disciplinary, public-private partnership that works to improve the response to child maltreatment through ongoing education and a web-based peer review network.
Wisconsin Child Welfare Professional Development System
The child welfare training system, through the regional training partnerships, provides training for over 2,000 child welfare workers throughout the State of Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Child Abuse and Neglect Program (CPS)
Children’s Protective Services (CPS) is a program within the Department of Children and Families (DCF).
Wisconsin Crime Victim Compensation
Information on crime victim assistance and compensation. Includes forms and victim’s rights information.
Children’s Trust Fund
Funding for local programs and services that prevent child abuse and neglect.
Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry
The Wisconsin public sex offender registry established and provided as a result of the sex offender registration act.
Childhelp USA
Offers crisis intervention, information, literature and referrals for prevention and treatment of child abuse.
KidsCount Database
Access date from al 50 States on well being of children in each State.
The National Children’s Advocacy Center Research Library
A research tool presented by the National Children’s Advocacy Center for children and families.
Child Welfare Information Gateway
This site provide access to information to help protect children and strengthen families.
NetSmartz Workshop
An educational safety resource for children from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
A national resource center for child protection information and abuse prevention.
Prevent Child Abuse America
A national web site dedicated to preventing child abuse and providing prevention information.
Darkness to Light
The Darkness to Light mission is to empower people to prevent child sexual abuse.
The State of Wisconsin requires the reporting of child abuse and neglect by certain persons, called mandated reporters, and permits the reporting of child abuse and neglect by all persons. Reports of suspected child abuse and neglect can be made to the county where the child resides or to the law enforcement of where the possible abuse and/or neglect occurred. Reports of suspected school violence must be made to law enforcement.
- Persons making reports in good faith are immune from criminal or civil liability
- A person who is mandated to report suspected child abuse or neglect will be informed by the county what action, if any, was taken to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the child who is the subject of the report
- Penalty: Persons required to report, who intentionally fail to report suspected child abuse or neglect or threats of school violence may be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned not more than 6 months or both (s. 48.981(6))
Link to find your county’s Child Protective Services Agency: Report Child Abuse and Neglect in Wisconsin | Wisconsin Department of Children and Families
Link to the view who is a Mandated Reporter per Wisconsin Statutes 48.981: Wisconsin Legislature: 48.981(2)