Report Child Abuse
Making a Report to CPS
If you suspect child maltreatment, you do not need proof to make a report—only a reasonable suspicion. Reports can be made directly to Brown County CPS or your local law enforcement.
What is Reasonable Suspicion?
- Reasonable suspicion is based upon the individual having a “belief, based on evidence but short of proof, that an ordinary person would reach as to the existence of child abuse.”
- Reasonable suspicion is not hunches.
The department hours of operation for the public are Monday to Thursday from 7:30am to 5:00pm and Fridays 7:30am to 11:30am. If you are calling to make a report during these hours, please stay on the line and someone will be with you. If your call is not answered, please leave a message and someone will call you back to speak to you about the report you would like to make. Please note that although the office closes at 11:30am on Fridays, team members are assigned to respond to voicemails left on this line to take reports of abuse and/or neglect until 5:00pm.
The number to call is: 920-448-6035.
Afterhours: Contact your local law enforcement
Information Needed When Making a Report
When making a report to Child Protective Services (CPS), providing as much accurate and detailed information as possible helps CPS assess the situation and determine the appropriate response. While not all information may be available, including the following details can be beneficial:
* Identifying Information
- Child’s name, age, and date of birth
- Parent(s) or caregiver(s) names
- Address(es) and phone number(s)
- Ethnicity or racial background, if known
* Child’s Current Location
* Child Functioning and Special Needs
* History of Domestic Violence
* Parent or Caregiver Location
Consider the Role of Bias in Reporting
When evaluating whether to make a report, it is essential to objectively assess the situation and compare observations to the statutory definitions of abuse and neglect. Cultural differences, socioeconomic status, or personal beliefs about parenting should not influence reporting decisions. Parenting practices may vary widely, and differences in hygiene, food choices, discipline methods, or supervision styles do not necessarily indicate maltreatment.
Before making a report, reporters should ask themselves:
- Does what I am observing clearly align with the legal definitions of abuse or neglect?
- Am I making this report based on a genuine concern for the child’s safety, or could implicit biases be influencing my judgment?
- Have I considered the family’s circumstances and whether the concern stems from poverty rather than willful neglect?
Consulting with CPS Access Staff
If you are unsure whether a situation warrants a formal report, CPS Access staff are available for consultation. Reporters can call Brown County CPS Access staff to discuss concerns confidentially and receive guidance on whether the observed situation meets the threshold for a report. This consultation process ensures that decisions are made thoughtfully and in alignment with child welfare standards.
- If ultimately after that consultation is completed a reporter believes they need to make a report, it is the responsibility of the child welfare professional to take the report.
Mandated Reporters’ Responsibility
Mandated reporters—including educators, healthcare providers, social workers, and law enforcement—are legally required to report any suspected child abuse or neglect. However, reporting should be based on clear indicators of harm, not assumptions. By carefully assessing situations and utilizing CPS consultations when needed, reporters can help ensure that intervention is targeted, necessary, and in the best interest of the child.