How to Make a Child Abuse or Neglect Report


​To make a report of abuse and/or neglect, or discuss your concerns, call the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at (916)875-KIDS or (916)875-5437.

Anyone may report an incident of known or suspected child abuse and/or neglect.  Sacramento County Child Protective Service welcomes calls from concerned members of the community.  If you are unsure about making a report, you are welcome to call the hotline and discuss your concerns with our trained staff. When making a report, your identity may remain confidential.

If you fall into the classification of a mandated reporter, you are legally required to make a report of suspected child abuse or neglect (Penal Code 11165.7)

When you call the hotline, a social worker will listen to your concerns.  You will be asked questions such as the names and addresses of the children, and individuals involved.  You will also be asked what prompted you to call and what the child's current status is. Although you are not required to know this information in order to make a report, any details that you can provide about the child and family will be valuable. 

If a determination is made that an in-person response is necessary to assess the well-being of a child or children, the information given by the reporting party is used by Emergency Response social workers who investigate and determine the best course of action, often in collaboration with family members.  Because of your call, the child and child's family may receive services that will address their needs and protect the child's well-being.



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