FYI - Reporting a Case of Suspected Child Abuse
Should you need to report a suspected case of child abuse or neglect, the following tips will help to make the process go more smoothly.
FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT REPORTING CHILD ABUSE, CLICK HERE to view "A GUIDE TO REPORTING CHILD ABUSE TO THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE". This guide explains the process in great detail.
- It is highly recommended that you download a "SAMPLE" report form ahead of time.
This sample form CANNOT be used in filing a report, but it is handy to organize all the needed information BEFORE
you need to relate it to the Police or Child Protective Service Intake Person.
CLICK HERE to view sample Child Abuse Report Form that can be printed and filled out before calling the Child Abuse Hotline. - Now, you will call one of the Child Abuse Hotlines for the county in which the suspected abuse occurred. The list of phone numbers were shown on the previous webpage.
- The intake person will immediately give his/her name and title. You should write this down on your sample report.
- Also write down the number you called, and the date and time of the call.
- The intake person will ask for your name, contact information, etc.
- The intake person will give you the address to send the report. You MUST use this address only. Do not use an address taken from this website or online. The report must be mailed within 36 hours.
- The intake person will ask questions about the instances of child abuse you observed. Typical questions are outlined below.
- The intake person will ask questions about the victim, including name and contact information for the family. Give only information you know, not information you think you know.
- Also, you will be asked about the suspect, including name, contact information, etc. Your name will not be revealed to the suspect in the abuse, and there are substantial legal penalties when a contact person fails to protect the identity of the mandated reporter.
- After you have completed the call, you will be required to fill out an official Department of Justice form, not the sample. .
- Send the report ONLY to the address the intake worker gave you. Make sure the intake person informs you of the number of copies to be sent.
- Also, be sure to retain a copy of the form for your own files.
FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT REPORTING CHILD ABUSE, CLICK HERE to view "A GUIDE TO REPORTING CHILD ABUSE TO THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE". This guide explains the process in great detail.
