- Make an anonymous report online or over the phone using your state’s designated website and phone number.
- Provide as much detail as you can in your report, including the events or observations that caused you to suspect abuse.
- Call the Childhelp National Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 for additional advice on how to report child abuse.
How to Anonymously Report to CPS
Call your state’s CPS report line or submit an anonymous report. Child abuse is handled at a state level rather than a federal one, so you’ll need to contact the phone number associated with your state. Some states also have specific emails or websites that you can use to make your report. Check the State Phone Numbers & Websites for Reporting section below to find the best ways to report child abuse in your state.
Provide a detailed explanation of why you suspect child abuse. Don’t spare any details—the more information you provide, the better equipped CPS will be to look into your report. Describe what you’ve noticed or witnessed that makes you think abuse or neglect is going on, as well as personal information about the child and their alleged abuser. “Whenever I see Jake, an 8-year-old kid in my neighborhood, he’s always covered in bruises. I’m worried that his parents might be abusing him at home.” “Casey Perkins, a 12-year-old in my child’s class, frequently comes to school in dirty clothes, and she has an obvious body odor. My child also notices that she asks other students for part of their lunches—I’m concerned that she might be neglected at home.” “I volunteer at a summer camp, and I’m seriously concerned that Randall Ramirez, a 9-year-old kid there, might be getting sexually abused at home. They always seem to be in pain when they’re sitting down, and they tested positive for an STI at the infirmary.”
Know that no further action is needed on your end. Once you submit your report, it’ll be transferred to the CPS division in your state. After looking over the information, a CPS worker will decide if the report needs to be investigated or not. If a follow-up investigation does occur, the CPS employee might speak with relevant parties (like relatives or the child in question) to make an informed decision about the potential abuse. Call the Childhelp Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 to learn if/how you can follow up on your case.
Other Important Hotlines
911 If a child’s life is actively in danger, call 911 so emergency services can be dispatched to the proper household. Although it can be intimidating to call 911 on behalf of someone you don’t know well, it’s important to follow your gut instincts—you could be saving a life!
Childhelp National Hotline: 1-800-422-4453 The Childhelp hotline is a great resource for people who want a little more information about how to report a child abuse case. Childhelp is staffed with plenty of trained counselors who can offer support and advice regarding your circumstances and point you in the right direction. Just keep in mind that Childhelp isn’t where you file reports—they just help you figure out where that place is. Childhelp also offers text support at the same number and live chat support on their website.
CyberTipline CyberTipline is meant specifically for reporting online instances of child abuse, like child sexual exploitation materials (CSEM). Go to CyberTipline’s online report page to make an anonymous report. Keep in mind that CyberTipline is meant to report online child abuse, not adult abuse. If someone has posted inappropriate content of an adult online, visit the Stop Non-Consensual Image Abuse website or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
Who can make an anonymous CPS report?
Anyone who suspects abuse can make an anonymous CPS report. While people like social workers and teachers (also known as “mandatory reporters”) are required to file a report when they suspect abuse, anyone who thinks a child could be in danger is entitled to make a report. Visit the Child Welfare Information Gateway's website for more information about mandatory reporters.
How to Recognize Child Abuse
Neglect Neglect occurs when a child doesn’t get the necessary supplies and resources from their parents or guardians to stay fed, clothed, and clean. Neglectful parents or guardians often seem dismissive or uncaring about their child or may act in illogical and unsound ways. They may also have issues with drugs and alcohol. Common signs of neglect in children include: The child is absent often. The child doesn’t dress appropriately for the weather. The child seems filthy and smells bad. The child requests food and/or steals money from others.
Physical abuse Physical abuse occurs when parents, guardians, and/or other individuals hurt the child or put them in dangerous situations. In cases of physical abuse, the parent or caregiver often provides inconsistent information about a child’s injuries, speaks about the child in a very negative way, or is known to discipline their child in harsh, physical ways. These caregivers may have received abuse in their own childhood, as well. Some key signs of physical abuse to watch out for include: A child with visible injuries (e.g., bruises, burns, bites, etc.). A child who’s visibly afraid of their parent or guardian. A child who’s fearful of adults. A child with disappearing injuries after being away from school.
Emotional abuse Emotional abuse occurs when parents or guardians repeatedly treat and speak to their child in an emotionally hurtful way that damages their sense of self. Emotionally abusive caregivers often care little about their child’s problems, refuse to give their child any extra care, and/or rebuke and belittle their child. Signs of emotional abuse include: A child with polarizing types of behavior (e.g., being incredibly submissive then being incredibly aggressive). A child who’s behind their peers when it comes to emotional development and maturity. A child who acts extremely mature or extremely juvenile. A child who has tried to take their own life in the past.
Sexual abuse Sexual abuse occurs when the parent, caregiver, and/or another adult in the child’s life perform sexual acts with them. Parents or guardians perpetrating sexual abuse may be irrationally strict about their child hanging out with opposite-sex kids, act in a secretive way, or have a tendency to be controlling with other relatives in their family. Signs of sexual abuse include: The child has trouble sitting down or walking around. The child mentions wetting the bed or having bad dreams. The child is uncomfortable switching clothes for gym class or doing physical things. The child gets pregnant or tests positive for an STI/STD.
Medical abuse Medical abuse revolves around parents or caregivers who falsely report their child as sick and proceed to give them unnecessary medical treatments. Parents or guardians involved in medical abuse may claim that their child is feeling unwell, even if a medical professional can’t verify this diagnosis. Factitious Disorder Imposed on Another (FIDA), originally labeled as Munchausen Syndrome by proxy, is an example of medical abuse.
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