How to Make a Child Protection Report
Anybody can make a voluntary report of suspected child abuse or neglect if that person has reason to believe that a child has been maltreated. Others are mandated to report by statute. The requirements for reporting are outlined in the "Reporting of Maltreatment of Minors Act" (Minn. Stat. § 626.556).
A mandated reporter must call immediately, but no later than 24 hours after they suspect that maltreatment may have occurred. The mandated reporter must follow up with a written report within 72 hours.
A report can be made to your local county social service agency or to law enforcement. If it is an emergency, call the police at 911.
A report to Stearns County Human Services can be made as follows:
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Call by phone: 320-656-6225
Fax: 320-656-6447
After hours Monday through Friday and Weekends
Call by phone: 320-251-4240 (non-emergency dispatch)
Dispatch will contact the on-call social worker, who will return your call