Anyone can report suspected child abuse or neglect. Reporting can protect a child, help a family, and may even save a child’s life. In some states, the law requires anyone who suspects abuse or neglect to report it.
How to Report
Child Protective Services (CPS) works to protect children and support families. If you think a child is being abused or neglected—or if you are a child being mistreated—call or text 800-422-4453 right away. This is the ChildHelp National Child Abuse Hotline, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They can tell you how to make a report.
For more information and resources, visit the Child Welfare Information Gateway.
The Report Child Abuse & Neglect tab at the top of this website also has a list of phone numbers for each state to report child abuse or neglect.
If you believe that a child is in immediate danger, please contact 911 for help.