Report Abuse

How to Report Child Abuse:

          Child abuse is a serious issue, and reporting it is essential to protecting vulnerable children. This guide provides comprehensive instructions on how to report suspected abuse, along with key resources and answers to common concerns.

1. Recognize the Signs of Abuse

• Physical Abuse: Unexplained injuries, bruises, burns, or fractures.
• Emotional Abuse: Extreme withdrawal, fear, or inappropriate behaviors.
• Sexual Abuse: Knowledge or behavior inappropriate for the child's age, or reports of abuse.
• Neglect: Poor hygiene, malnutrition, or lack of medical care.

2. Gather Information (If Safe to Do So)

• a. Child’s name, age, and location.
• b. Details of suspected abuse (what, when, where).
• c. Name and relationship of the suspected abuser (if known).
• d. Any immediate danger the child is facing.

3. Report to Law Enforcement

• a. If the child is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency number.
• b. Local police departments can also forward cases to Child Protective Services if needed.

4. Contact Your Local Authorities or Hotlines

• State and Local Child Protective Services (CPS): 
• Find local contact information at Child Welfare Information Gateway.
• Child Welfare Information Gateway: While they don't offer direct services, they provide resources and referrals. For Los Angeles-specific services, you can explore their directory at Child Welfare Information Gateway.
• Inter-Agency Council on Child Abuse and Neglect (ICAN): This is Los Angeles County's official coordination body for child abuse prevention and intervention. Contact ICAN at (626) 455-4585 or visit their website at ICAN4kids.org​
• LA Child Abuse Councils.
• Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS): For direct support or services, such as child care assistance or family reunification programs, you can call (213) 351-3235. More information is available on the​ Los Angeles County DCFS.
• Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline:
• Phone: 1-800-422-4453 (1-800-4-A-CHILD)
• Website: https://www.childhelp.org
• Available 24/7 with confidential support in over 170 languages.

5. Follow Up (Optional)

• Inquire about the case’s status if you have concerns or additional information.
• Respect confidentiality laws, as you may not receive detailed updates.

Los Angeles County

(800)-540-4000 – Within CA
(213)-639-4500 – Outside CA
(800)-272-6699 – TDD
Online Reporting:
https://reportChildAbuseLA.org

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC)
https://www.missingkids.org 

Resources for reporting exploitation and abuse.

Department of Social Services (CDSS)

https://www.cdss.ca.gov/reporting/report-abuse/child-protective-services/report-child-abuse

If you’re unsure where to start, call the Childhelp Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 for guidance.

Protecting children is a community responsibility. 

If you suspect abuse, don't hesitate—your report could save a life.