Prevent Child Abuse in Michigan
How do I get online child abuse prevention training and background checks?
Compass Abuse Prevention Services offers online child abuse prevention training and background checks.
What is child abuse and neglect in Michigan?
According to Michigan law, child abuse and neglect is defined as:
Child Abuse: Harm or threatened harm to a child’s health or welfare that occurs through non-accidental physical or mental injury, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, or maltreatment, by a parent, a legal guardian, or any other person responsible for the child’s health or welfare or by a teacher, a teacher’s aide, or a member of the clergy.
Child Neglect: Harm or threatened harm to a child’s health or welfare by a parent, legal guardian, or any other person responsible for the child’s health or welfare that occurs through either of the following:
-
- Negligent treatment, including the failure to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, or medical care.
- Placing a child at an unreasonable risk to the child’s health or welfare by failure of the parent, legal guardian, or other person responsible for the child’s health or welfare to intervene to eliminate that risk when that person is able to do so and has, or should have, knowledge of the risk.
According to the Child Welfare League of America, there were 26,932 victims of abuse or neglect in
Michigan in 2020, a rate of 12.7 per 1,000 children. This is a 27.7% decrease since 2016.
What is vulnerable adult abuse and neglect in MI?
Being “vulnerable” means when an adult is unable to protect themselves from abuse, neglect, or exploitation because of a mental or physical impairment or advanced age.
Abuse: Harm or threatened harm to an adult’s health or welfare caused by another person. Abuse may be physical, sexual or emotional.
Neglect: Harm to an adult’s health or welfare caused by the inability of the adult to respond to a harmful situation (self-neglect) or the conduct of a person who assumes responsibility for a significant aspect of the adult’s health or welfare.
Exploitation: Misuse of an adult’s funds, property, or personal dignity by another person.
Who is a mandated reporter according to MI state requirements?
The Michigan Child Protection Law requires certain people to report their suspicions of child abuse or neglect to Children’s Protective Services:
- Physicians
- Licensed emergency medical care providers
- Licensed master social workers
- School counselors
- Dentists
- Audiologists
- Licensed bachelor’s social workers
- Teachers
- Physician’s assistants
- Psychologists
- Registered social service technicians
- Law enforcement officers
- Registered dental hygienists
- Marriage and family therapists
- Social service technicians
- Members of the clergy
- Medical examiners
- Licensed professional counselors
- Persons employed in a professional capacity in any office of the Friend of the Court
- Regulated child care providers
- Nurses
- Social workers
- School administrators
- Employees of an organization or entity that, as a result of federal funding statutes, regulations, or contracts, would be prohibited from reporting in the absence of a state mandate or court order (example: domestic violence provider)
The following Department of Human Services employees also have a legal mandate to report suspected child abuse or neglect:
- Eligibility specialists.
- Family independence manager or specialists. –
- Social services specialists.
- Social work specialists.
- Social work specialist managers.
- Welfare services specialists.
Mandated reporters of child abuse can contact their local MDHHS office for available training.
If you are a part of any of the professions listed below, you may have a legal obligation to report any suspicions regarding vulnerable adults who you believe have been harmed or are at risk of harm from abuse, neglect or exploitation:
Health Care Services. Including, but not limited to:
- Physicians.
- Nurses.
- Psychologists.
- Counselors.
- Aides.
- Hospital Administrators and Staff.
Educational Services. Including, but not limited to:
- Teachers.
- Administrators.
- Counselors.
Public Services. Including, but not limited to:
- Social workers (administrators, supervisors, caseworkers, etc.)
- Law Enforcement Officers.
- County medical examiner and employees of the county medical examiner.
- Adult Day Care Providers.
How do I report child abuse in Michigan?
Anyone, including a child, who suspects child or vulnerable adult abuse or neglect, can make a report by calling 855-444-3911.
The DHS-3200 child abuse form must be faxed or emailed to Centralized Intake within 72 hours of calling.
Child abuse mandated reporters also have the option of using the Online Reporting System instead of calling and submitting a form. Here are step-by-step instructions for reporting online.
If a mandated reporter is dissatisfied with the response by MDHHS, the mandated reporter may contact the Mandated Reporter Hotline at 877-277-2585.
How do I contact the MI Department of Health and Human Services?
Contact the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
333 S. Grand Ave
P.O. Box 30195
Lansing, Michigan 48909
517-241-3740
Disclaimer: Please ensure the information and courses meet requirements for your organization and circumstances and align with what your state Department of Health and Human Services requires. The state requirements and child abuse and human trafficking statistics listed on this page are current as of January 12th, 2024 to meet the best information available. State requirements may change and it is your responsibility to know your state mandated reporter requirements and the process for online child abuse prevention training. Compass Abuse Prevention Services can not guarantee acceptance by your school, organization, or state Office of Child and Family Services. If there is a child abuse emergency, call 911 immediately.