Anyone can make a difference in a child’s life.
No matter your relationship to them, you can help protect a child who cannot protect themselves. We’ll walk you through who to contact, what to report, and what to expect after making the call.
Child abuse is a crime that often goes undetected. Reporting suspected child abuse isn’t easy, and it can be emotionally draining. However, by taking action, you give a child the chance to receive help, and it could prevent further harm.
Who to Call When Reporting Suspected Child Abuse
- Police: If you believe a child is in immediate danger of being harmed, call 911 or your local police department.
- Child Abuse Hotline: If the child is not in immediate harm, you can report suspected child abuse or maltreatment by calling the New York Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (a.k.a. the Child Abuse Hotline) at 1-800-342-3720. This hotline operates 24/7, year-round. Your identity will be kept confidential.
- Outside of New York State: For reports involving children outside of New York State, you can find child abuse hotline numbers by state.
Please note: The Warren-Washington CARE Center does not take reports of child abuse directly. However, we can help guide you through the process and provide support after you’ve made your report.
What to Report
When preparing to report suspected abuse or neglect, it’s important to provide as much detail as possible. Be prepared to give a complete and honest account of what you observed that led you to suspect that child abuse or neglect was happening. You will be asked for identifiable information about the child, the nature of the abuse, and your relationship with the child.
While anonymous tips are always an option, identified reporting increases the success of the investigation into the abuse.
Things to keep in mind:
- Do NOT attempt your own investigation. Don’t question the child or their family members to confirm your suspicion. This can cause further harm to the child. Here’s what you should do if the child discloses abuse to you.
- Any reasonable suspicion is enough. Even if you’re unsure, making the call ensures the proper authorities can investigate.
- Stay calm and provide as much information as you can. The more accurate the information, the better the response.
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What Happens During the Call?
When you call the Child Abuse Hotline, a child protective specialist will ask you for detailed information to determine whether a formal report should be filed. Some questions they may ask include :
What is the nature and extent of the child’s injuries or the risk of harm to the child?
Have there been any prior suspicious injuries to this child or his or her siblings?
What is the child’s name, home address, and age?
If the child’s parent or legal guardian is responsible for the injury or risk of harm, what is their name and address?
What are the names and addresses of the child’s siblings and parents if different from the information provided above?
What Happens After the Call?
If the Child Abuse Hotline agrees with your assessment, it will be forwarded to the local responding Child Protective Services (CPS) department and/or Law Enforcement.
From there, CPS and/or Law Enforcement will conduct their initial investigation to assess the child’s immediate safety. The case may then be referred to the CARE Center. At the CARE Center, our staff coordinates with multidisciplinary team members to arrange a forensic interview and medical exam, if necessary.
During the forensic interview, an advocate will be present to provide information about the legal process. They can also answer any questions the child and non-offending family members have and offer referrals for mental health and counseling services.
Understanding Your Role in Reporting
Depending on where you live and your connection to the child, you may be legally obligated to report suspicions of abuse. Are you a New York State-mandated reporter? Find out if you are required to report under state law.
Even if you aren’t legally obligated, it’s still vital to act when you suspect child abuse. Trust your instincts—if something doesn’t seem right, it’s better to report it than to remain silent.
Do You Suspect Child Abuse?
Here are important phone numbers you may need:
| Organization | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| The Warren-Washington CARE Center | (518) 792-2731 |
| Washington County Department of Social Services | (518) 746-2300 |
| Washington County District Attorney's Office | (518) 746-2525 |
| Washington County Sheriff’s Office Department | (518) 747-4623 |
| Warren County Department of Social Services | (518) 761-6300 |
| Warren County District Attorney's Office | (518) 761-6405 |
| Warren County Sheriff’s Office Department | (518) 743-2500 |
| Glens Falls Hospital | (518) 926-1000 |
| For any and all emergencies | 911 |