How It Works

About Our Counselors

The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline Crisis counselors are here to support those concerned about or affected by child abuse and provide appropriate, individualized guidance for those that reach out. We can also help research additional resources that may be available. The hotline is staffed by live crisis counselors (not bots) who all have college education and life experience in working with child abuse, neglect, and maltreatment. Crisis counselors complete over 72 hours of training which includes supportive listening, crisis intervention, trauma-informed practices, and diversity.

Bottom line, crisis counselors are here to answer calls, texts, and chats 24/7 in a safe place for support and guidance for the help-seeker.

What To Expect

The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline is a safe, nonjudgmental and inclusive space for those concerned about or affected by child abuse. The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline is NOT a reporting line for child abuse. The hotline is NOT connected to emergency services nor is it a replacement for 911 emergency responsive services.

In our chat and text features, you will be asked some demographic information like your age and gender. This information is not to identify you but is to help us better understand the unique needs you might have about your identity and part of the country you live in. Because the hotline does not take or investigate reports of abuse, you will not be asked for the name, exact address, or any other personal identifying information of you or of another person.

It’s important for you to know that if you do disclose identifying information and location of a child under age 18 being harmed or if you if you tell a counselor that you are going to act on suicidal thoughts (or otherwise as required by law), we may have to provide information you have given us to the appropriate authorities.

Crisis counseling services cannot replace or substitute for the services of trained professionals in any field, including medical or legal matters. The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline does not provide legal or medical advice.

Around the Clock Support

The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline specializes in child abuse, child welfare, and the impact of the trauma of child abuse on survivor’s and loved ones’ mental well-being. Counselors provide support, coping resources, and crisis counseling to helpseekers first and foremost. Counselors also can provide information to help guide helpseekers through the process of making a child maltreatment report and can provide information on how the child welfare system works. The Childhelp hotline has a database of over 10,000 national, local and international resources to help you connect with additional services and can connect to interpretation services being available for 170 languages on crisis calls.

The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline is NOT a reporting line for child abuse. The hotline is NOT connected to emergency services nor is it a replacement for 911 emergency responsive services.

If a child or other person is in immediate danger, contact 911 immediately.

Find Your State’s Child Abuse Reporting Line

Check the listing below to find your state’s child welfare laws and reporting contacts. If you’d rather talk to someone first, you can reach a Childhelp counselor by call, text, or chat. We’re here to help.

Alabama

CPS Phone Number: Phone Number is specific to county. Please see website for your county’s CPS number.

24/7: No

Online Reporting: Yes – Mandatory Reporters Only

Alaska

CPS Phone Number: 1-800-478-4444

24/7: Yes