If you suspect that a child, any child, is being abused the following will help you find ways to get that child the protection that they deserve. The information can also help you to protect other children in the future.
National Child Abuse Hotline
You can contact the National Child Abuse Toll-free Hotline 24 hours a day 7-days a week at:
1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)
Child abuse in all its forms (emotional, physical, or sexual) is a horrible ongoing and growing tragedy. Silence allows it to continue. If you know, or even think you know, of a child who is being abused or neglected, please do not remain silent.
The National Child Abuse Hotline takes calls from all over Canada and the United States. They provide help to children who are being abused and to parents who are afraid they may abuse their child. They also follow-up on leads provided by those who know of, or suspect, an abusive situation.
Many abused and neglected children never come to the attention of authorities. Please use this resource if you are in danger of abusing a child or if you think you know of any child being abused.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
You can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline 24-hours a day, 7-days a week at:
1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers assistance and support to anyone involved in a domestic violence situation. They help victims, survivors, friends and family members, anyone involved in a domestic violence situation including same-sex relationships. They also provide information on sexual assault, battering intervention and prevention programs.
National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information
The National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information is a U.S. government site providing excellent information about the subject of child abuse.
Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA):
CAPTA is a U.S. law that addresses child abuse and neglect. It was originally enacted in 1974 (P.L.93-247) and was most recently re-authorized on June 25, 2003, by the Keeping Children and Families Safe Act of 2003 (P.L.108-36). For the text of the Act see Law.Cornell.edu. For a comprehensive site on all adoption related laws visit ChildAdoptionLaws.com
Additional Areas of Interest
PreventChildAbuseAmerica is an organization that promotes and implements prevention efforts at both the national and local levels.
Please visit our home page to read about our commitment to assist adoptive parents like you as well as pregnant women and birth parents.