What should I do if I suspect child abuse and/or neglect?
Answer
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, you should call 911. If you suspect or know that a child is being abused or neglected, you can report your concerns to the appropriate authorities, such as child protective services, in the state where the alleged child maltreatment is occurring. Each state has trained professionals who can evaluate the situation and determine whether help and services are needed. Most states have a toll-free number to report suspected child abuse and neglect.
Child Welfare Information Gateway, a service of the Children's Bureau, provides a list of child abuse and neglect reporting numbers and information on how to make a report in each state.
The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline also provides state-specific information on how and where to report suspected child maltreatment. Childhelp can be reached 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, via its toll-free number: 1.800.4-A-CHILD (1.800.422.4453).