How to Report Suspicions of Child Abuse

While healthcare workers, social service workers and educators are mandated by law to report suspicions of child abuse, this is not true for the general public. However, if you think a child is being harmed--whether you can prove it or not--reporting your suspicions is the right thing to do. The procedures vary from state to state, but there are some basic steps you can take to make sure you're giving as much helpful information as possible.

Instructions

• 1

  Document the incidents which have led to your suspicions, using as much detail as possible. Suspicions of child abuse don't arise lightly; there must have been things you've observed or heard that make you uncomfortable. Write down what you've seen and heard, along with the date, the names of the people involved (or descriptions if you don't have a name) and time of day.

• 2

  Gather details about whom you have suspicions and the children about whom you have concerns. This doesn't mean you should become an amateur spy, merely that it's a good idea to have an address, name (if possible) and names and ages of the children involved. If you're unable to get this information, make note of the license plate number of the alleged abuser and be prepared to give a detailed description of his car.

• 3

  Locate the phone number for the Child Abuse Report hotline in your state. The Child Welfare Information Gateway maintains an up-to-date list of number on their Website (see resources below). Alternatively, you can call ChildHelp's national hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD, and they can point you in the right direction.

• 4

  Tell the intake worker if you'd prefer to remain anonymous--before you begin the rest of the interview. This can happen in one of two ways: you can make a report without leaving your contact information or you can ask that your contact information and identity be kept anonymous during any subsequent investigation. Though it's preferable to leave your name so that the agency can follow up if they have questions, you are not obligated to do so.

• 5

  Be prepared to speak candidly and at length to the intake worker. Remember that you're reporting suspicions of abuse, not clear evidence thereof, so let the worker know up front that you're not completely sure that what you want report is a "reportable offense," but that you'd prefer to err on the side of caution.

• 6

  Stay objective. Report the facts as you know them, whether it be that you think children aren't being well supervised or that you're hearing noises from next-door which sound as though children are being harmed. Straying off-topic and giving your opinion about the character of the alleged abuser or talking about how she lets her dog poop in your yard is not productive; it makes you sound less credible and as though you have a hidden agenda.

• 7

  Ask the intake worker what happens next. Will there be an investigation? Should you call back if you have new information to add? Different states deal with reports of suspicion of child abuse in different ways. If for no other reason than to help you feel as though you've done everything you could to help, this information is handy to know.