How to Report Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect
If you suspect that a child is being abused or neglect, the division can be contacted by calling the division's toll-free hotline (1-800-397-3738) When the hotline is called, a social worker will ask questions to determine whether your information is an allegation of child abuse or neglect. You may also, contact the local division office to discuss your concerns as see if the hotline should be contacted- There are certain individuals who are mandated by law to call if they suspect child abuse and neglect.
What Information is Necessary for the Division to Accept a Report of Child Abuse or Neglect?
In order to accept a report it will be important to for reporter to know the identity of the child, parents and the alleged perpetrator and where the child can be located. In addition there must be specific allegations of abuse or neglect, the alleged perpetrator must have care, custody and control of the child. In Missouri a child is anyone under the age of 18. Other questions that will be asked by staff from the hotline include: How do you know about the abuse and neglect? Were there other witnesses and how can they be contacted? What is the present location of the child? Is the child currently in an unsafe situation?
Do Reporters have to Give Their Name?
In Missouri reporters do not have to give their name. However, by giving your name division staff will be able to contact your for more information, if necessary. The names of all reporters are kept strictly confidential and you can be assured that your name will not be released by the division to the family, child or the alleged perpetrator
What Happens after I Make My Call?
If the division accepts the call as a child abuse or neglect report, the information is transmitted electronically or over the phone to the local division office that will investigate. If the child is unsafe county staff will immediately make contact with the child to determine how the child can be made safe while the investigation is conducted. All investigations start within 24 hours after the call is received. The normal process is for staff to contact the reporter, then the family and finally the alleged perpetrator. If the report suggests a criminal violation, law enforcement will be requested to assist in the investigation. Most investigation are completed within 30 days of the call to the hotline.
Information provided by Missouri Division of Family Services.
HTML conversion by Central Missouri Child Advocacy Law Center.
Please feel free to print, copy, download, link and otherwise use or share this document.
This page has been accessed 1 times.