Mandatory Reporting for Clergy
What the Wisconsin Law Means for Clergy & Congregations
What is a mandatory reporter?
Wisconsin law, like that in most states, requires members of certain professions to report instances where they believe a child has been abused or neglected or when a child might be at risk of such injuries. Anyone in these professions is a “mandatory reporter.”
Knowing the law in this area and what actions you need to take is of the utmost importance to the church’s role in caring for the most vulnerable among us.
We’ve provided resources to help you understand state law, best practices, and what your responsibilities and roles are in situations where mandatory reporting is required.
Current Wisconsin Law
On April 9, 2004, Governor Jim Doyle signed Senate Bill 207 which impacts the ministry of every clergyperson and congregation in the State of Wisconsin. The legislation aims at protecting God’s most precious creation: the children of Wisconsin. The bill requires clergy to report suspected cases of child sexual abuse, extends the statute of limitations for filing criminal and civil charges of alleged child sexual abuse, and clarifies the conditions under which religious organizations can be sued for actions of offending clergy.
Read the text of the bill by clicking the button below.
Read a brief description of the bill here.
The Wisconsin Council of Churches has developed an advisory booklet as an introduction to the law and the responsibilities of mandatory reporting.