Filing a Complaint
Complaint Registration Form
- A complaint is a report that a social worker may have violated the Social Work Practice Act
- You can file a complaint with the Board if your licensed social worker:
- Mistreated you in any way
- Was dishonest in providing services or billing
- Released information without consent
- Did not provide appropriate treatment
- Did not practice safely and competently
- Developed a personal relationship with you
- Has an illness that impairs their ability to practice safely
- The Board’s authority to investigate complaints is limited to:
- Individuals licensed with the Board of Social Work
- Applicants for licensure with the Board of Social Work
- Individuals practicing social work or using the title social worker without a license
- *The Board has no authority over unlicensed county social workers, as social work licensure for individuals employed with the county is voluntary under Minnesota law
- To file a complaint, download the Complaint Registration Form
- A complaint must be filed in writing
- Complaints may be submitted via email, fax, or mail
- Submit the form with a detailed description of your concerns about the social worker and any information you think the Board should know, for example:
- What happened? Who did what, where, when, and why?
- Were other social workers involved? Were there any witnesses? If so, describe each person’s involvement or role
- Provide as much detail about the people involved as you can (full name, address, phone number, place of employment, social worker’s license number and/or type, etc.)
- Arrange information in date order or some other logical way as if you are explaining the situation to someone who knows nothing about it
- Include copies of any documents that might help the Board understand your complaint
- For complete information, review the following resources: