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Get Help & Report Abuse

Resources and guidance for reporting suspected child abuse and finding support

Emergency Situations
If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call 911 immediately.
National Child Abuse Hotline
Call for immediate assistance and guidance 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)
Available 24/7

Actions for Parents & Guardians
If you suspect your child is being abused, take these decisive steps to ensure their safety and well-being

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Ensure Immediate Safety
If you believe your child is in immediate danger, call 911 (or your country's emergency services) right away.

Document Evidence
Keep a written record of any signs, behavioral changes, physical marks, or conversations that make you suspect abuse. This documentation can be useful for law enforcement or child protective services.

Report to Authorities
Contact your local Child Protective Services office to report your suspicions. If the abuse is severe or criminal in nature, also contact your local police department.
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Seek Professional Guidance
Consult with a pediatrician or therapist who can help assess your child's situation and offer guidance on next steps. Consider professional counseling for both you and your child.

Maintain Open Communication
Approach conversations with sensitivity. Let your child know they are safe and that you are there to help. Avoid leading questions; instead, listen carefully and validate their feelings.

Utilize Community Resources
Contact local or national organizations that specialize in child abuse for advice and legal support. Email us at [email protected] for guidance on finding resources in your area.

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How to Report Child Abuse
Reporting suspected child abuse is everyone's responsibility. Here's what you need to know.

What Information to Provide
When reporting suspected abuse, try to provide as much of the following information as possible:

• Child's information: Name, age, address, current location
• Parent/caregiver information: Names, address, contact information
• Nature of the concern: Specific details about what you observed or were told
• Severity and urgency: Is the child in immediate danger?
• Other relevant details: Previous incidents, other people living in the home, etc.
• Your information: You may be asked to provide your name and contact information, but many states accept anonymous reports

What Happens After Reporting

1. Intake: The agency receiving the report will gather information and determine if the report meets the criteria for investigation.
2. Investigation: If the report is accepted, a caseworker will be assigned to investigate. This typically involves visiting the child's home, speaking with the child, parents, and others.
3. Safety Assessment: The caseworker will assess the child's safety and determine if there is an immediate risk of harm.
4. Service Provision: If needed, services may be provided to the family to ensure the child's safety and well-being.
5. Case Resolution: The investigation will conclude with a determination of whether the report is substantiated or not, and appropriate next steps.

State Reporting Resources
Each state has its own system for reporting child abuse and neglect.
Find Your State's Reporting System
Visit the Child Welfare Information Gateway website to find state-specific reporting information, or contact the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)for guidance on finding the appropriate reporting channels in your area.

Find State Reporting Information

Common Concerns About Reporting
Understanding and addressing concerns that might prevent someone from reporting suspected abuse

"What if I'm wrong?
"It's normal to worry about making a mistake, but professionals are trained to investigate properly. You don't need to be certain abuse is occurring; reasonable concern is sufficient. It's better to report a suspicion that turns out to be unfounded than to remain silent about actual abuse.

"Will my report be confidential?"
In most states, reports can be made anonymously, and even when identified, reporters' identities are protected by confidentiality laws. Child protective services will not reveal who made the report unless required by court order.

"It's not my business"
Child safety is everyone's business. Children cannot protect themselves from abuse and often cannot report it themselves. They depend on adults who observe signs of abuse to report it. Many states have mandatory reporting laws for certain professionals.

"Will the child be taken away?"
Removing a child from home is a last resort. Child protective services primarily works to keep families together while ensuring children's safety. They often provide support services to help families create a safe environment for their children.

Support Resources
Help is available for children, families, and survivors of abuse

National Child Abuse Hotline
24/7 hotline providing crisis intervention, information, and referrals.
1-800-422-4453
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National Parent Resources
Resources for parents seeking guidance on child safety and protection.
Access Resources

Online Support Services
Access online resources and support services for survivors of abuse.
Visit Website
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Legal Resources
Information on legal rights and options for those affected by child abuse.
Learn More

Child Welfare Information Gateway
Connects child welfare professionals to resources to help protect children and strengthen families.
Visit Website

Prevention Resources
Tools and information to help prevent child abuse in communities.
Visit Website

Contact Us
Have questions, ideas, or want to partner with #DontTouchMe? We'd love to hear from you.
Email: [email protected]