Community Resources
Local School Districts
Mandated Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect
Certain individuals whose employment brings them into contact with children are required by law to report any suspected abuse or neglect or threatened abuse or neglect to a child seen in the course of their professional duties. Anyone who suspects a child is being maltreated may make such a referral. Persons making reports in good faith are immune from criminal or civil liability.
Reports are made to the county in which the child or the child’s family resides. 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 may be fined up to $1,000 or imprisoned up to 6 months or both. Click here for a list of contacts.
Reporting Abuse and Neglect
Reports of alleged child abuse or neglect should be made to the county where the child or the child’s family resides. To contact the appropriate county department of social/human services, click on the county on the map or the county name below. Reports can also be made to local law enforcement offices. If you are not aware which county a Wisconsin municipality is in, please refer to the Wisconsin Demographic Services Municipality List.
Online Child Care Provider Mandated Reporter Training Information: Online Mandated Reporter Training
All children deserve a quality childhood so they become joyful, lifelong learners, active contributors to healthy communities, and productive members of society. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) works in partnership with the early childhood community -- including parents and professionals in the public and private sector -- to create strong communities in which all families are supported in their roles and responsibilities.
Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs
Wisconsin has five Regional Centers dedicated to supporting families with children and youth with special health care needs and the providers who serve them. The Centers are staffed by specialists who can help get answers, find services and connect you to community resources. Their services are free and private.
211 Referral
2-1-1 provides free and confidential information and referral. Call 2-1-1 for help with food, housing, employment, health care, counseling and more. Find your local 2-1-1.
Local Mental Health Resources
Wisconsin Infant Mental Health Alliance
Child Development Resources
Concerns about children, special needs resources, and help for families of children with special needs:
Free Resources from Act Early Wisconsin
ForwardHealth provides benefit information in Wisconsin
Typical child development, parent newsletters, and age specific information:
Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families