Report Abuse
New Jersey’s Division of Children and Families defines child abuse and neglect as follows:
Abuse is the physical, sexual, or emotional harm or risk of harm to a child under age 18 caused by a parent or other person who acts as a caregiver for the child.
Neglect occurs when a parent or caregiver fails to provide proper supervision for a child or adequate food, clothing, shelter, education or medical care, although financially able or assisted to do so.
How and When to Report Child Abuse/neglect
In New Jersey, any person having reasonable cause to believe that a child has been subjected to abuse or acts of abuse should immediately report this information to the State Central Registry (SCR) hotline 1-877-NJ-ABUSE (1-877-652-2873).
If the child is in immediate danger, call 911 as well as 1-877-NJ-ABUSE (1-877-652-2873).
A concerned caller does not need proof to report an allegation of child abuse and can make the report anonymously.
What Information Will I be Asked to Provide to the Hotline Screener?
SCR screeners are trained caseworkers who know how to respond to reports of child abuse/neglect. Whenever possible, a caller should provide all of the following information:
Who: The child and parent/caregiver's name, age and address and the name of the alleged perpetrator and that person's relationship to the child.
What: Type and frequency of alleged abuse/neglect, current or previous injuries to the child and what caused you to become concerned.
When: When the alleged abuse/neglect occurred and when you learned of it.
Where: Where the incident occurred, where the child is now and whether the alleged perpetrator has access to the child.
How: How urgent the need is for intervention and whether there is a likelihood of imminent danger for the child.
Do Callers Have Immunity From Civil or Criminal Liability?
Any person who, in good faith, makes a report of child abuse or neglect or testifies in a child abuse hearing resulting from such a report is immune from any criminal or civil liability as a result of such action. Calls can be placed to the hotline anonymously.
Is it Against the Laws of New Jersey to Fail to Report Suspected Abuse/neglect?
Any person who knowingly fails to report suspected abuse or neglect according to the law or to comply with the provisions of the law is a disorderly person.
What Happens After I Make the Call?
When a report indicates that a child may be at risk, an investigator from the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (formerly Youth and Family Services) will promptly investigate the allegations of child abuse and neglect.