Frequently Asked Questions

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1. How do I know when to report child abuse?

Reporting should be done when a person either knows or suspects that a child has been or is in danger of abuse or neglect. Hard proof is not needed to make a report. However, reports must be made in good faith. Use common sense. A report of child abuse is serious and may have a lifelong impact on the child and his or her family.

Never make a false or malicious report. If you are in doubt at all about whether to report a particular situation, telephone the Child Welfare Services Division, and discuss the situation.

2. How does child abuse get reported?

A report is made by telephoning the local child protective agency and talking with them about the child’s situation. A child protective agency is either the county social services department or the local law enforcement agency (police or sheriff.)

Social services departments provide child welfare services in California. Except for situations involving allegations of general neglect, child protective agencies are required to cross-report to each other.

Cross-reporting means that the different agencies inform each other of reports so that each agency can take appropriate steps to respond.

“General neglect” means the negligent failure of a person to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or supervision for a child under that person’s care or supervision for a child under that person’s care or custody. General neglect is handled only by the social services department.