Child Protection/Safety/Crisis Intervention refers to child abuse, neglect or abandonment, as well as crisis intervention and safety information.
In an Emergency, Call 911
Looking for help in
non-emergency situations?
Call 211 or
Call 311 in New York City
NY Connects
1-800-342-9871
Suicide Crisis Hotline
1-800-273-TALK (8255) Toll Free
1-800-799-4889 TTY
Child Abuse & Maltreatment Hotline
1-800-342-3720, Toll Free
1-800-638-5163, TTD/TTY
1-800-342-3720, NY Relay
Vulnerable Persons Central Register (VPCR) Hotline
800-624-4143 Toll Free
The New York State Office of Children and Family Services maintains a Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR) for reports of child abuse or maltreatment made pursuant to the Social Services Law.
The Statewide Central Register, also known as the "Hotline,” receives telephone calls alleging child abuse or maltreatment within New York State. The Statewide Central Register relays information from the calls to the local Child Protective Service for investigation, monitors their prompt response, and identifies if there are prior child abuse or maltreatment reports.
The Hotline receives calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week from two sources: persons who are required by law, or mandated, to report suspected cases of child abuse and maltreatment; and calls from non-mandated reporters, including the public.
Among those who are mandated to make reports are:
*This list is not all inclusive.
Do You Suspect Abuse or Maltreatment?
Report it Now!
Call this Statewide Toll Free Telephone Number:
1-800-342-3720
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call TDD/TTY at
1-800-638-5163
or have your Video Relay System provider call
1-800-342-3720
If you believe that a child is in immediate danger,
call 911 or your local police department.
The Prevent Child Abuse New York (PCANY) website provides helpful information related to child abuse and neglect. Some of the resources on this site include:
Reports of suspected abuse and neglect of a child receiving care in certain facilities and programs that are operated, licensed or certified by the NYS Office of Mental Health, Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, Office of Children and Family Services, State Education Department and summer camps for children with disabilities licensed by the Department of Health should be made -- at any time of the day or night and on any day of the week—by telephone to the Vulnerable Persons Central Register Hotline.
The trained call center representative who answers your call will ask you for as much information as you can provide about the suspected abuse, neglect or maltreatment and the location where it occurred. Below are examples of some of the questions you might be asked when you call.