Senate Bill 432 aims to enhance mandatory reporting requirements for suspected child abuse or neglect in Wisconsin. The bill mandates that child welfare departments refer all reports of threatened or suspected abuse to law enforcement, a change from the current law which only requires referral for cases of suspected child sexual abuse or trafficking. The definition of abuse includes non-accidental physical injuries, sexual abuse, trafficking, and emotional damage due to neglect. Additionally, the bill expands the list of mandatory reporters to include employees of child welfare agencies who interact directly with children or handle child welfare cases, and clarifies that the term "social worker" refers to individuals certified by the relevant professional board.

The bill also amends existing statutes to specify the reporting obligations of county departments and licensed child welfare agencies, requiring them to refer all cases of suspected or threatened abuse to law enforcement within 12 hours. It removes certain definitions related to abuse and neglect from the reporting requirements, streamlining the process for mandatory reporters. Overall, the legislation seeks to strengthen the protection of children by ensuring that all suspected cases of abuse are promptly reported to law enforcement authorities.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 48.981(2)(a)10, 48.981, 48.981(3)(a)3