Report child abuse or neglect

Learn what to do if you know or suspect a child is being abused or neglected. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.

Are you a mandated reporter? If yes, click here.

Find your area DCF office

Report Child Abuse

Phone

Child-at-Risk-Hotline 800-792-5200

Call to report child abuse and neglect.

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The Details of Report child abuse or neglect

What you need for Report child abuse or neglect

All reports of suspected child abuse or neglect must be phoned in to DCF. Please call immediately if you know of, or suspect, an incident of child abuse or neglect. During regular business hours (8:45 a.m.-5 p.m. M-F) call the Department of Families and Children (DCF) area office that serves the city or town where the child lives. Nights, weekends, and holidays dial the Child-at-Risk Hotline at (800) 792-5200.

Please do not use the Feedback tool at the bottom of this page to report an incident of suspected abuse or neglect.

Mandated reporters

Massachusetts state law requires professionals whose work brings them in contact with children to notify DCF if they suspect that a child is being abused and/or neglected. If you don't know if you are a mandated reporter, see the Mandated Reporter Guide.

How to report Report child abuse or neglect

If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.
During regular business hours (8:45 a.m. - 5 p.m. M-F) call the DCF area office that serves the city or town where the child lives.
* Note that some cities have more than one DCF office. Use the coverage directory for Boston, Springfield, or Worcester to figure out which office to call.
After hours, or on weekends, call the Child-Risk-Hotline 1-800-792-5200.

Mandated Reporters only:

After making the initial call, within 48 hours complete the required written report.

Downloads for Report child abuse or neglect

A Family's Guide to Protective Services for Children (English) (PDF 2.07 MB)

DCF Mandated Reporter Guide (DOC 1.33 MB)

Child Abuse Reporting Form (PDF 321.76 KB)

Contact for Report child abuse or neglect