Reporting Child Neglect

Written by HealthyPlace.com Staff Writer

Each state has a system to receive and respond to reports of possible child abuse and neglect. Professionals and concerned citizens can call statewide hotlines, local child protective services, or law enforcement agencies to share their concerns.

How do you report suspected child neglect?

Anyone can report suspected child abuse or neglect. Reporting abuse or neglect can protect a child and get help for a family; it may even save a child's life.

Childhelp® is a national organization that provides crisis assistance and other counseling and referral services. The Childhelp® National Child Abuse Hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with professional crisis counselors who have access to a database of 55,000 emergency, social service, and support resources. All calls are anonymous. Contact them at 1.800.4.A.CHILD. (1.800.422.4453). Here's

If you need help with personal or family situations, you may wish to visit these resources on Where to Find Help.

If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected or if you are a child who is being maltreated, contact your local child protective services office or law enforcement agency, so professionals can assess the situation. Many states have a toll-free number to call to report suspected child abuse or neglect. To find out where to call: Child Abuse Reporting Numbers.

Source:

• Child Welfare Information Gateway

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