Reporting Child Abuse
Every Child Deserves Safety and Care
Need to Report Child Abuse?
If you suspect child abuse, your immediate action can make a crucial difference. If this is an emergency, please call 911. For other situations, Arizona and national hotlines are available for reporting.
For local Arizona help.
For 24/7 national help.
Understanding Child Abuse and Reporting
For more information on child abuse in Arizona, please visit the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS). For additional resources or information about reporting child abuse or neglect, please visit the Arizona Child Abuse Info Center.
Child abuse occurs when a child is hurt and/or not cared for properly. This includes physical harm, neglect, emotional harm or sexual abuse of a child.
Reports are required when there’s reasonable belief of physical injury, abuse, neglect or other reportable offenses inflicted on a child by non-accidental means or if there’s denial of necessary care causing harm.
Exceptions: A child is not considered neglected if a parent’s inability to meet the needs of the child is due solely to the unavailability of reasonable services.
Responsible persons include parents and anyone with care, custody and control of the child. Under Citation: Rev. Stat. § 8-201A, dependent child does not include a child who, in good faith, is being furnished Christian Science treatment by a duly accredited practitioner.
Abuse includes physical injury, impairment or endangerment, including from exposure to harmful substances or environments. Neglect involves failing to provide necessary care, supervision or medical treatment
An injury diagnosed by a medical doctor that poses a risk of death, causes disfigurement, significant pain, health impairment or organ damage. This includes injuries from sexual abuse or assault.
Neglect includes inability or unwillingness to provide supervision, food, clothing, shelter or medical care, creating an unreasonable risk of harm to the child’s health or welfare.
Emotional abuse is causing serious emotional damage to a child, as diagnosed by a medical doctor or psychologist, resulting in severe anxiety, depression, withdrawal or aggressive behavior.
Abandonment is the failure to provide reasonable support, maintain regular contact or establish a normal parental relationship without just case for six months.
Sexual abuse includes inflicting or allowing sexual abuse, conduct with a minor, assault, molestation, commercial or non-commercial exploitation, incest and child prostitution.
Signs include unexplained injuries, fear of certain adults, sudden changes in behavior and neglect signs like being dirty or hungry.
Everyone has a responsibility to report suspected abuse, especially if you’re a teacher, doctor, family member or someone who works with children.
If it’s an emergency, contact 911. Otherwise, you can report it to Arizona’s hotline at 1-888-767-2445 or the 24/7 national hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
Trained professionals will investigate to ensure the child’s safety. Your report can be anonymous and is always confidential.
Yes, those who file a report are protected by law. You can report suspected abuse without fear of legal consequences if it’s done in good faith.
It’s better to report and let professionals assess the situation. If you’re unsure, you can still call the hotline for guidance.