Reporting Child Abuse & Neglect

If you need to report potential or actual child abuse or neglect, you should immediately telephone the 24-hour Department of Children and Families (DCF) Child Protection Hotline at 800-792-5200. You may also contact the DCF Area Office serving the child's residence and ask for the Protective Screening Unit. You will find a directory of the DCF Area Offices at the end of this Guide. Offices are staffed between 9 am and 5 pm weekdays.

As a mandated reporter you are also required by law to mail or fax a written report to the Department within 48 hours after making the oral report. The form for filing this report can be obtained from your local DCF Area Office or from the DCF website.

Included in the Report

Your report should include:

• Your name, address and telephone number
• All identifying information you have about the child and parent or other caretaker, if known
• The nature and extent of the suspected abuse and/or neglect, including any evidence or knowledge of prior injury, abuse, maltreatment, or neglect
• The identity of the person you believe is responsible for the abuse or neglect; The circumstances under which you first became aware of the child's injuries, abuse, maltreatment or neglect