All University of Wisconsin-Madison  employees and volunteers working with Extension programs must immediately report child abuse or neglect if, in the course of employment or voluntary service for Extension, the employee or volunteer: 

• observes an incident or threat of child abuse or neglect;
• learns of an incident or threat of child abuse or neglect;
• has reasonable cause to believe that child abuse or neglect has occurred or will occur.

Any person making a report of child abuse or neglect in good faith is immune from civil or criminal liability that results from the report. Reporting suspected abuse or neglect may be difficult. It is, however, crucial to a child not only today, but also in the future. Parents, caregivers or other maltreaters who have abused or neglected children may need services and support to provide safe care of their children. The sooner a concern is reported, the sooner the family can be helped. 

• Child abuse and neglect;
  • Physical abuse
  • Sexual abuse
  • Abuse by manufacturing of methamphetamine
  • Emotional abuse
• Child neglect

Immediately follow the external and internal reporting steps below.

Immediately contact:

1. If there is an emergency or a child is in urgent danger, call 911.
2. The county social/human services department, sheriff, or local police department where the child resides by phone or in person. Reports may not be made by email.

Explain as well as you can what happened or is happening to the child. Describe the nature of the abuse or neglect. Include information that has been disclosed by the child and/or observed by you. Be as specific as possible. Be prepared to give the name, address and phone number of the child and the name of the parent(s) or caregiver. Even if you do not know all of this information, report what you do know. 

After reporting to local authorities, contact UW-Madison PD:

• UW-Madison Police Department (available 24 hours), (608) 264-COPS or (608) 264-2677;

NOTE: If the incident or threat of child abuse or neglect involves an allegation against a university employee or volunteer, or the suspected abuse or neglect occurred during an Extension-sponsored activity, please call Jamie O'Donnell, Division of Extension Director of Human Resources. 

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