DHS - Reporting Process

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Reporting Abuse & Neglect

Anyone, including a child, who suspects child abuse or neglect, can make a report by calling 855-444-3911. In addition, the Child Protection Law requires certain professionals to report suspected child abuse or neglect. Review the Mandated Reporters section of our website for more details.

Reports of suspected child abuse or neglect will either be:

Assigned for investigation;
Rejected; or
Transferred to another agency for investigation, such as law enforcement or the Bureau of Child and Adult Licensing.

Reports must meet the following three criteria to be assigned for investigation:

The alleged victim is under 18 years of age.
The alleged perpetrator is a parent, legal guardian or other person responsible for the child's health and welfare.
The allegations minimally meet the child abuse and neglect definitions in the Child Protection Law.

Identifying Child Abuse & Neglect

• Potential Indicators of Child Abuse and/or Neglect
Physical and behavioral indicators of child abuse and/or neglect that may be used as guidelines for when to make a CPS complaint.

• Mandated Reporters
Mandated reporters are required under Child Protection Law to report suspected child abuse and/or neglect.

Investigation Process & Results

• Children's Protective Services Investigation Process
Overview of the investigation process for allegations of abuse and neglect of children under the age of 18.

• Central Registry
After the investigation, certain individuals are placed on the Central Registry. Learn more about the registry and request clearance.


	Protective Services Quick Links
•	Child Protection Law
•	Report of Actual or Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect - DHS-3200