Reporting Child Abuse

Reporting Child Abuse

If you suspect abuse, reporting it can protect the child and get help for the family. Any concerned person can and should report suspected child abuse.

How do I report Child Abuse or Neglect?

If you suspect a child is being harmed, contact your local child protective service or law enforcement agency so professionals can assess the situation. When calling to report child abuse, you will be asked for specific information, which may include:

The child's name
The suspected perpetrator's name (if known)
A description of what you have seen or heard
The names of any other people having knowledge of the abuse
Your name and phone number

The names of reporters are not given out to families reported for child abuse or neglect. However, sometimes by the nature of the information reported, your identity may become evident to the family.

Remember, your suspicion of child abuse or neglect is enough to make a report. You are not required to provide proof.

What Will Happen When I Make a Report?

Your report will first be screened. If the screener feels there is enough credible information to indicate that maltreatment may have occurred or is at risk of occurring, your report will be referred to staff who will conduct an investigation.

Investigators respond within a particular time period depending on the severity of the situation. They may speak with the child, the parents, and other people in contact with the child. Their purpose is to determine if abuse or neglect has occurred and if it may happen again.

If the investigator finds that no abuse or neglect occurred, then the case will be closed and the family may or may not be referred elsewhere for services. If the investigator feels the children are in danger, the family may be referred to services to reduce the risk of maltreatment to the children. In rare cases where the child's safety cannot be ensured, the child may be removed from the home.