If you have any suspicions of abuse, it’s important to report it as soon as possible. Our partners at the Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) take reports of child abuse and neglect 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 202-671-SAFE (7233).
This hotline is the starting place to help child victims and those at risk up to age 18 in the District of Columbia. Your identity as the caller will remain confidential.
When you call the hotline, a trained worker will ask you for:
- The name, address, age, and gender of the child
- Who is caring for the child and whether other children live in the home
- The nature and extent of the abuse or neglect, as you know it—and any previous abuse or neglect you know about
- Any additional information that may be helpful
Expect a substantive conversation that will allow CFSA to decide how best to handle your report. The minimum information needed to make a report is the child’s name, address, age, and your concern for abuse. You do not need physical evidence to make a report.
We know that taking this step can feel scary or overwhelming. But children need and deserve for the adults in their life to be brave.
Not sure if you are ready to call the hotline? Safe Shores can help you make a report and understand the next steps. Reach out via our Contact Form and one of our advocates will be in touch to support you.
What Happens After a Report
Based on your conversation, the hotline worker makes a preliminary assessment of the child’s safety. If a child is in immediate danger, a Child Protective Services social worker responds immediately.
For all other reports, our Multi-Disciplinary Team co-located at Safe Shores reviews the case and makes a decision about response, collaborating together to ensure that the safety and needs of the child always come first.
The team typically directs reports along one of two pathways:
- Family Assessment: The family does not enter the child welfare system and a specific abuser is not identified. This process begins within 3-5 days and connects willing families with needed services.
- Investigation: When a report alleges severe physical or any type of sexual abuse, or indicates a child at high risk, an investigation is launched. During an investigation, the child victim will be brought to Safe Shores for a sensitive interview to gather information.
When you make a report, you’re taking action to protect a child and help a family get the support they need. It’s always better to speak up about your concerns than to stay silent when a child might be at risk.
