Mandatory Reporting Requirements in Minnesota
Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect
Across the U.S., certain adult professionals may be classified as “mandated reporters” if they are required to report child abuse and neglect by law. From teachers to healthcare professionals, those who believe that a child is experiencing abuse and neglect may be obligated to verbally report it to law enforcement within 24 hours, as well as provide written notice to law enforcement or Child Protective Services within 72 hours.
Because failure to report is a crime in the state of Minnesota, it’s important to be aware of your responsibilities and take appropriate action after identifying child abuse. At Caplan & Tamburino Law Firm, P.A., we have over a century of combined experience in both criminal defense representation and civil litigation – and we can help you better understand your role as a mandatory reporter. Whether you’re facing retaliation for reporting or criminal charges for a failure to report, our Minneapolis lawyers will serve as your committed advocates.
For more information, call (612) 444-5020 or contact us online. We are available 24/7 for free consultations.
Who Is Considered a Mandatory Reporter?
As a general rule, anyone who works with children, cares for children, or offers professional services related to children will be classified as a mandatory reporter. If you become aware of physical abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect of a child and it occurred within the last 3 years, you are obligated to file a report within the required periods. It is also illegal for your employer to take retaliatory action against you for fulfilling this important public duty, whether you work for an amateur athletic organization or an educational institution.
While this is not an exclusive list, all of the following professionals are considered mandatory reporters in Minnesota:
- Teachers (public and private)
- Doctors and nurses
- Administrators in an educational or non-profit setting
- Social workers
- Daycare providers
- Family members
- Psychologists and counselors
- Clergy members
- Probation and correctional officers
- Law enforcement officials
- Hospital and healthcare staff
- Welfare workers
How Do I Report Child Abuse?
Child abuse and neglect can be difficult to spot even with extensive training, as abused children do not always realize they are suffering from maltreatment. This is especially true if the perpetrator is a parent or trusted mentor, such as a clergy member or soccer coach. However, for the sake of the child’s safety, it’s imperative that you pay close attention to the signs and report suspected abuse to the right authorities.
Under Minnesota mandatory reporter laws, knowledge about any of the following can trigger your obligation to report:
- Child malnourishment and starvation
- Lack of appropriate child care or education
- Parent or guardian alcoholism and substance abuse
- Severe emotional abuse that has an observable effect on the child
- Physical injuries from kicking, throwing, striking, or poisoning a child
- Sexual abuse or molestation of any kind
- Prenatal exposure to excessive controlled substances
- Sex trafficking of a child
You can report these abuses to any of the following:
- Your local police department
- The sheriff’s office
- Child Protective Services (CPS)
- Your local welfare agency
What Are the Penalties for Failing to Report Abuse?
Although anyone can file a report about child abuse, mandatory reporters will face severe criminal charges if prosecutors can show that they knew about the abuse and chose not to report it. These penalties range depending on the status of the professional and the severity of the abuse, but in cases where the child dies, caretakers could be facing felony charges with a maximum of 2 years in prison and a $4,000 fine.
Failure to report can be classified as any of the following:
- Misdemeanor: For failing to report child abuse and neglect within the previous 3 years.
- Gross misdemeanor: For failing to report child abuse and neglect of two or more children by the same perpetrator within the previous 10 years.
- Felony: For parents and official caretakers who fail to report child abuse and neglect, when the child dies due to lack of medical care or treatment.
Do you have questions related to your role as a mandatory reporter or charges incurred by a failure to report? Contact our Minneapolis attorneys at Caplan & Tamburino Law Firm, P.A. for a free consultation.
What Should I Do If I’VE BEEN ARRESTED?
-
1. Don’t Talk to the Police!
It’s crucial to know that while you should remain respectful with authorities, you have the right to remain silent. This a right protected by the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which makes it clear individuals are protected from being compelled to be a witness against him / herself in criminal matters.
It’s important to note that:
- Talking will not help you avoid an arrest. If law enforcement has probable cause to arrest you, then they will arrest you.
- By speaking, you risk making a confession or providing information that can be used to indict you, even unknowingly.
- Even if you feel that information being discussed is “harmless,” it is still in your best interest to invoke your Fifth Amendment right.
-
2. Ask for a Lawyer!As soon as you can you should elect your right to have a defense attorney present. A Minnesota criminal defense lawyer or public defender can ensure the police do not violate your rights and help you avoid saying anything incriminating during questioning. Caplan & Tamburino Law Firm is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so that we can be by your side whenever you need us. Call now!
MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR OUR CLIENTS
-
“I'm deeply thankful for the team at Tamburino Law Group”
Writing on behalf of my brother, I'm deeply thankful for the team at Tamburino Law Group and how quick Joe responded to my online request. I received same day phone call and explained the situation to him, and he was able to accommodate a time and day that work for us to meet with Hannah. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Hannah for her expert guidance and representation throughout the case. I would totally recommend this law firm.- D.Y. -
“Thank you and your law firm, Mr. Tamburino.”
- C.V.Thank you and your law firm, Mr. Tamburino. To be honest, going into this case I was lost in all the steps and confused on what to do. With the help from you, Ashley, and Tyler, I can say I felt relief that I had wonderful lawyers to help me through this incident. In the past 9 or 10 years, I had always tried to figure things out myself. Going into this issue, I was discouraged on my ability to avoid the harsh punishment of one bad decision I had made on the day of my arrest. You and your team gave me the hope and belief that I needed. So I just wanted to give you my thanks. If ever I have anyone who needs a lawyer I will most definitely recommend you and your firm.
-
“Outstanding and professional”
Thank you for everything you have done to help me with this court case. Without your help, things would definitely not have gone as well. Tamburino Law Group goes above and beyond to help clients. They are prompt, courteous, and professional. Highly recommend.- J.B. -
“Great care and compassion.”
I don't know any lawyers who would do what Tamburino Law Group did for their client. Their care and concern show a great deal about their heart and compassion for others. Thank you for being so supportive.- R.H. -
“This settlement changed my life.”
I came to Tamburino Law Group in 2018 after a severe accident left me unable to work and in constant pain. The firm helped me secure a $700,000 award, far exceeding my expectations. Their tireless efforts have completely changed my life, covering medical bills and future wage loss.- K.M. -
“I cannot thank you enough for your help!”
“Your patience, knowledge and especially your attention to detail was admirable.” -
“This settlement has completely changed my life.”
“This settlement has completely changed my life. I appreciate Joe and Hannah’s tireless effort.”- K.M. -
“Thank you for being so supportive”
“I just want to say that I don’t know any lawyers who would do what you did for your client.”- R.H.
-
Case Dismissal Assault Charges
Attorney Joe Tamburino represented a client in Anoka County on multiple assault charges involving multiple alleged victims. Joe litigated the matter for almost a year, and on the day of trial he got the case dismissed. His client was very happy.
-
Reduction of Charges Felony Theft
-
Case Dismissed Felony Stragulation
-
Case Dismissed HRO Respondent
-
No Executed Jail Time Criminal Sexual Conduct 3rd Degree
REAL PEOPLE. REAL RESULTS.
- Assault Charges
- Felony Theft
- Felony Stragulation
- HRO Respondent
- Criminal Sexual Conduct 3rd Degree