Child Abuse Reporting Now Available Online

From the Florida Abuse Hotline:

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, making it an effective time to reflect on the
importance of reporting potential child abuse.

You are in a key position to observe and report potential signs of child abuse and neglect. State law
requires reporting of suspected abuse and neglect to the Florida Department of Children and Families
Child Abuse Hotline. Reporting is available 24 hours every day both online at FloridaAbuseHotline.com
and via the department’s Hotline at 1-800-962-2873. However, using the online system can save
valuable time in providing the department the information needed to initiate an investigation quickly.
By the profession we have chosen, we are committed to protecting children and ensuring they have
happy, healthy lives. Reporting potential abuse and neglect saves lives. Last year the department
investigated nearly 188,000 reports of child abuse and neglect; sadly, these were only the cases that
were reported.

For further guidance on when it is appropriate to make a report, the child abuse reporting feature, at
FloridaAbuseHotline.com, includes helpful resources such as definitions for reporting, laws, tips for
successful reporting, frequently asked questions and more.

Any report made in good faith is important. The child may not be in imminent danger but child
protective investigators may determine the family would benefit from services to strengthen parenting
skills or from mental health care. The department’s primary goal is to protect children, but safely
keeping families together whenever possible is also a priority and the department collaborates with
community partners in every region of the state to provide care and services that families need to
thrive.

Be vigilant if you suspect abuse. A child may be depending on you.