Call 911 to reach emergency services if you are in the United States. Call 999 if you are in the United Kingdom. Call 000 if you are in Australia. Do not delay reporting all known or suspected cases of abuse, neglect, or maltreatment to law enforcement. As an individual, you are protected against any civil and criminal penalty and adverse employment actions for such reports. As a reporter, your information is kept strictly confidential.
US or Canada: 1-800-422-4453 (Childhelp) UK: 0800 1111 (NSPCC Childline) Australia: 1800 688 009 (CAPS)
What is the child’s name, age and address? What is your relationship to the child? What is the suspected abuser’s name, address, and license plate number? What is their relationship to the child? What are the names, addresses and phone numbers of the child’s parents? What type of abuse do you suspect? What are your reasons for suspecting it? When did it occur? What is the current location of the child? What is the child’s current level of safety? Are there other witnesses? What are their names, addresses and telephone numbers? Are there any evidence of previous incidents?
If you are still worried about giving your name and relationship to the child, and you are not a mandated reporter, you can make an anonymous report. When you call the child abuse hotline, specify that you want to make an anonymous report. In some states, you may be required to give your name as part of the investigative process. Child welfare agencies encourage reporters to give their name and contact information if possible. They may want to call you back with follow-up questions or stay in touch to determine if you see more signs of abuse.
Encourage other witnesses to make reports, too. Don’t expect to receive follow-up information from CPS after making a report. CPS does not typically call back to let you know how the situation turned out.
Some people do not want to take action because they fear they will be breaking up a family. CPS aims to do whatever it takes to keep families together. They may help parents get parenting classes or find a solution that keeps the children in the home. Do not let fear of breaking up a family stop you from intervening to save a child from harm.
Even if you aren’t completely sure that a child is being abused, if you feel justifiably suspicious, it’s worth reporting. If you’re wrong, there may be inconvenience to the family, but ultimately no harm done. If you’re right, you may be responsible for helping to alter a child’s circumstances for the better. Please note that not all shifts in behavior, attitudes, or perceptions are indications that a child is being abused or experiencing abuse. It is important to remember that children are affected by their environments.
When a child explains what is happening, do not display shock or disgust, since these strong emotions could scare the child. Instead, calmly reassure the child that you are there to help. [2] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source Reassure the child that confiding in you was the right thing to do. Many children feel guilty for coming forward. Don’t interrogate the child or ask leading questions that could cause confusion. Let the child speak in their own words. If you don’t feel there is sufficient reason to file a report, you should still take action to help the child. Call the local Child Protective Services (CPS) for a consultation to determine what you should do. [3] X Research source If you are in a supervisory position, you may want to talk with the child’s parents to get a better picture of what’s going on at home.
If you are a mandated reporter with reasonable suspicion of child endangerment, and you fail to make a report, you are guilty of a misdemeanor. If an investigation reveals that you had reasonable suspicion and failed to file a report, you could be prosecuted. [5] X Research source Report abuse even if you aren’t legally required to do so. Every state has laws in place to ensure your anonymity and protect you from legal action. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
The child has unexplained injuries, cuts, bruises, or welts. The child has injuries that appear to have been caused by a hand, a belt or another weapon. The child flinches or shies away from touch, specially from their guardians. The child appears to be trying to cover up injuries with clothing.
The child is withdrawn and fearful, and seems anxious about doing something wrong. The child vacillates between being extremely passive and extremely demanding or aggressive. The child seems afraid of or unattached to their caregiver. The child seems afraid to go home. The child acts inappropriate for their age. Either they act too much like an adult (excessively serious or worried about responsibilities) or too childish (prone to throwing tantrums or thumb-sucking).
The child’s clothes are dirty, ill-fitting, or not sufficient for the weather. The child is often unbathed, has unwashed hair, and has body odor. The child doesn’t seem to get sufficient treatment for illnesses and other problems. The child is often unsupervised and left in unsafe situations. The child doesn’t regularly attend school. The child shows signs of lack of nourishment or sufficient food.
The child has an inappropriately adult-level of knowledge and interest in sexual acts or seductive behavior. The child refuses to change clothes in front of others. The child doesn’t want to participate in physical activities. The child has trouble walking or sitting. The child runs away from home.
