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.
The National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information is not a hotline for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect and it is not equipped to accept reports of this nature. The Clearinghouse is not equipped to offer crisis counseling. As a service of the Children's Bureau in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Clearinghouse does not have the authority to intervene or advise in personal situations.
Childhelp USA® is a national organization that provides crisis assistance and other counseling and referral services. The Childhelp USA® 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)
If you need help with personal or family situations, you may wish to visit our 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, consult the Clearinghouse publication, Child Abuse Reporting Numbers.
