24/7 NJ Child Abuse Reporting Hotline:1-877-NJ-ABUSE
24/7 NJ Child Abuse Reporting Hotline:1-877-NJ-ABUSE
Report Abuse
In New Jersey, anyone with reasonable cause to believe that a child may have been abused or neglected must report the concern immediately. You do not need proof or certainty to make a report.
Report suspected abuse or neglect
NJ Child Abuse Hotline
Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Calls may be made anonymously
If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.
Do not confront the person you suspect or delay calling while you investigate. Report what you know to the appropriate authorities.
Choose the right contact
Choose the contact that best matches the situation. You do not need to call these numbers in sequence.
911
Call 911 if a child is in immediate danger, needs urgent medical attention, or requires an immediate emergency response.
1-877-NJ-ABUSE
1-877-652-2873
Call the NJ Child Abuse Hotline to report suspected child abuse or neglect. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Calls may be made anonymously.
If your call is not accepted by the hotline, call the local law enforcement agency where the incident occurred.
(973) 631-5000
Deirdre’s House can help explain the reporting process and answer general questions, but it does not receive or investigate reports of suspected abuse.
You do not need proof to call.
Report what you observed, heard, or were told. Trained hotline staff will ask questions and determine the appropriate next step.
What happens after
Making a report does not automatically mean a child will be removed from home.
Each report is reviewed individually. The response depends on the information provided, the child’s circumstances, and any immediate safety concerns.
01
You make the call
A trained NJ Child Abuse Hotline screener will ask what you observed, heard, or were told. You may make the report anonymously.
02
The report is reviewed
The NJ Child Abuse Hotline reviews the information and determines whether the report meets the criteria for a response by the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP), the state agency responsible for child protection services in New Jersey.
03
An appropriate response begins
If the report is accepted for a response, a caseworker begins an assessment. Law enforcement may also become involved depending on the circumstances and urgency.
04
Deirdre’s House may become part of the response
When a case in Morris County requires a forensic interview, specialized medical care, mental health services, child advocacy, or other coordinated support, Deirdre’s House may assist the child and family as part of the multidisciplinary response.
05
Hope, healing, and justice can begin here
When children and families are referred to Deirdre’s House, coordinated care provides a path toward safety, healing, and justice. Support is tailored to the needs of each child and family.
The exact process varies from case to case. Hotline staff and responding professionals determine the appropriate next steps.
What to have ready
The hotline screener may ask for the following information. It is okay if you cannot answer every question.
New Jersey reporting requirements
New Jersey law requires any person with reasonable cause to believe that a child may have been abused or neglected to report the concern immediately to the NJ Child Abuse Hotline. This responsibility applies to professionals and members of the public.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Reports to the NJ Child Abuse Hotline may be made anonymously. Hotline staff may ask for your name and contact information, but you can choose not to provide them.
You do not need proof or certainty to make a report. If you have reasonable cause to believe that a child may have been abused or neglected, call the NJ Child Abuse Hotline and share what you know. Trained staff will review the information and determine the appropriate next step.
Do not promise to keep suspected abuse or neglect secret. Stay calm, listen without judgment, and explain that you need to involve people whose job is to help keep children safe. Report the concern immediately.
Listen calmly and allow the child to speak in their own words. Avoid pressing for details or asking repeated questions. Share what the child told you with the hotline so trained professionals can determine the appropriate next steps.
If the NJ Child Abuse Hotline explains that the report cannot be accepted because the alleged person is not a parent or caregiver, contact the local law enforcement agency where the incident occurred. If the child is in immediate danger, call 911. You may also contact Deirdre’s House at (973) 631-5000 for help understanding available local resources.
Deirdre’s House cannot provide immigration or legal advice. Reports to the NJ Child Abuse Hotline may be made anonymously. If fear or uncertainty is preventing you from reporting a concern, contact Deirdre’s House at (973) 631-5000 for help understanding the reporting process.
NJ Child Abuse Hotline
Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Calls may be made anonymously
