Reporting maltreatment
To report suspected maltreatment in a child care center, call DCYF Intake at 651-539-8222 or complete the Child Care Center Maltreatment Report Form. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.
Mandated reporters
People who work in programs licensed by the department are legally required (mandated) to report suspected abuse, neglect, and exploitation of children. DCYF provides resources for mandated reporters.
How we conduct investigations
Every report received by DCYF is thoroughly reviewed, and additional information is often gathered to determine if further investigation is needed. Frequently asked questions about maltreatment investigations gives an overview of the department's processes for screening and investigating reports of maltreatment in DCYF-licensed programs.
Maltreatment investigations are guided by the procedures and definitions contained in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 260E, the Reporting of Maltreatment of Minors Act. Learn more about how DCYF conducts investigations.
The results of some investigations are posted on the Licensing Information Lookup tool administered by the Department of Human Services (DHS).
Statistics and trends
The maltreatment report and investigation dashboard provides an overview of key data points from the investigation of maltreatment reports. The dashboard is currently shared with DHS and reflects the combined data for both agencies.
Reducing maltreatment risk
The department's Reducing maltreatment risk resource outlines areas that pose a risk of harm to children in licensed and certified child care programs and provides recommendations on ways to reduce this risk.
