Sourcewell's regional licensing specialists are required to investigate possible violations of child care licensing rules. This is usually through a face-to-face contact between the provider and the complaint investigator.

Disputes regarding contractual issues are not investigated by licensing.

The provider must be told of the allegations, but reporter information is always confidential. Once the investigation is completed, a finding is made by the agency (Sourcewell).

The agency makes one of the following findings:

• Occurred
  The facts contained in the filed complaint are found to be true. Findings could result in a correction order, negative action, or other correction deemed appropriate by the licensor, county attorney, and program supervisor. A negative action will only be taken in the most serious cases.

• Did Not Occur
  After investigation, the compliant is found to be false. Usually no further action is taken.

• No Determination
  After investigation, the investigator is unable to make a determination as to whether or not the facts alleged are true. Licensing staff may offer suggestions or corrections if warranted.

All complaints, regardless of outcome, are retained in the licensing file.

The Minnesota Data Privacy Act prevents the release of certain information about the complaint, such as any identifying information about the reporter. However, the nature of the complaint, such as lack of supervision or overcapacity, is considered Public Information once the investigation is completed.

Basic complaint information, the results of the investigation (Occurred, Did Not Occur, No Determination), and whether or not any corrective action was taken as a result are required to be released by The Minnesota Data Privacy Act.

Parents and interested parties may contact the provider for more information than the agency can provide in any given case.

To register a complaint about a family child care home or an unlicensed provider operating illegally (including taking children from multiple families), contact licensing@sourcewell-mn.gov.

If the situation involves possible risk to the child, you may also want to contact your county's Child Protection Services team.

If it is an emergency, call 911.

Providers have the right to give input into the process and to appeal a correction order or licensing action. Under the licensing rule, licensors may enter the home at any time the child care program is in operation.