Child Abuse and Neglect

Please note: Families are varied and the use of the word Parent(s) refers to the adult(s) who are responsible for the child(ren).

Wisconsin Youth Company recognizes the serious local, state and national problems associated with child abuse and neglect. As an organization, Wisconsin Youth Company recognizes its legal responsibility for reporting suspected cases of child abuse to the properly constituted state, county, or local authorities.

Staff are in a unique position to identify potential cases of abuse or neglect of children. Through recognition and understanding of a problem, knowledge of reporting procedures, and participation in staff professional development on the subject of child abuse and neglect, staff will act responsibly in these situations.

Mandated Reporters

All staff are mandated reporters. This means that our staff are legally required to report knowledge or reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect. Guidelines for reporting suspected child abuse and neglect are printed in the staff manuals and provided to each staff member. Wisconsin Youth Company has adopted guidelines based on legal requirements and moral commitments which provide direction for the program staff to help in identifying and reporting cases of suspected child abuse and neglect.

It is the policy of Wisconsin Youth Company to keep records of reported suspected child abuse and neglect
confidential.

• Wisconsin Youth Company staff will accuse no individual when reporting suspected child abuse or neglect.
• Wisconsin Youth Company staff do not investigate abuse reports.
• Wisconsin Youth Company staff cannot wait until a suspicion has been confirmed before reporting.
• If a Wisconsin Youth Company staff member or volunteer is suspected or accused of child abuse or neglect, the incident will be reported immediately and go directly to the county department of social services.
• Procedures and expectations for reporting an incident in which a staff member may be involved are the same
  as for all other incidents.

Any changes to this policy will be made, as necessary, to be current with changes or revisions to state statutes.