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What should I do when I suspect child abuse or neglect?

Call (703) 838-0800 - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to report your suspicions.

	Don’t hesitate. When you report what you’ve seen or heard, you may help a child to stay safe. If you’ve noticed the warning signs of abuse and neglect, please call. If you don’t report your suspicions, the abuse of a child might continue.
	You should have a reasonable suspicion of the abuse, but you don’t have to “prove” the abuse or to be positive that it occurred. If you report in good faith, you are immune from civil or criminal liability.

Do I have to give my name?

No, but eyewitness accounts about the suspected abuse will help the professional staff handle each situation effectively. Usually the name of the person making the report will be known only if court testimony is involved.

After I report my suspicions, then what happens?

Child Protective Services (CPS) investigates the situation to determine the risks to a child. If a case is “founded” (the abuse is verified), then caseworkers will recommend an action plan to protect the child.

Will I be told what happens?

No. To protect everybody involved, confidentiality rules are strictly enforced.

Do you suspect child abuse or neglect?
Call (703) 838-0800