Child Protection

Reporting Suspected Child Abuse


Calling:

  • If you suspect child abuse or maltreatment, contact Morrison County Social Services.Monday - Friday between the hours of 8 am. to 4:30 pm by calling 320-632-7800 or 1-800-269-1464 and ask to speak with the intake social worker.

Completing an online form:

Urgent Reports After Hours, On Weekends or Holidays:

Contact the Morrison County Sheriff's Office at 320-632-9233 for urgent reports of suspected child abuse or maltreatment after hours, on weekends or holidays. 

Please be prepared to offer identifying information. You can ask to remain anonymous.

Public Policy

Morrison County Social Services’ response to child protection concerns has been developed to reflect Public Policy. The legislature hereby declares that the public policy of this state is to protect children whose health or welfare may be jeopardized through physical abuse, neglect or sexual abuse. In furtherance of this public policy, it is the intent of the legislature under this section to strengthen the family and make the home, school, and community safe for children by promoting responsible child care in all settings; and to provide, when necessary, a safe temporary or permanent home environment for physically or sexually abused or neglected children.

In addition, it is the policy of this state to require the reporting of neglect, physical or sexual abuse of children in the home, school, and community settings; to provide for the voluntary reporting of abuse or neglect of children; to require the assessment and investigation of the reports; and to provide protective and counseling services in appropriate cases.

Assessments

Child protection assessments are completed in accordance with Minnesota Statutes 626.556, Subdivision 10. The most accurate reports come from first-hand reporting sources, therefore, child protection intake will make efforts to secure first hand information before reports are assigned for assessment. Hearsay reports may not be accepted for assessment.

Persons who conduct assessments or investigations shall take into account accepted child-rearing practices of the culture in which a child participate and accepted teacher discipline practices, which are not injurious to the child’s health, welfare, and safety.