New Jersey's new child abuse hotline is available 24/7, 365 days per year. Citizens who are concerned that a child may need help can call the 1-877-NJ ABUSE hotline from anywhere in the state to report allegations of abuse, neglect, or other child welfare concerns.
- When should I call the NJ ABUSE HOTLINE (1-877-NJ ABUSE)?
In New Jersey, every citizen – neighbor, teacher, medical professional, or other individual - who comes into contact with a child and observes behaviors or conditions that might indicate a risk of harm to the child is required by law to report those suspicions. If the child is in immediate danger, call 911 as well as 1-877 NJ ABUSE.
When caller information indicates a child may be at risk, the Division of Youth and Family Services will promptly investigate the situation - within two hours for an emergency or within twenty-four hours in less urgent situations. Do not investigate the suspected abuse. A concerned caller does not need proof to call the hotline.
- What is child abuse or neglect?
Abuse - As a general matter, child abuse is the physical, sexual, or emotional harm or risk of harm to a child under the age of 18 caused by a parent, caregiver, or person who has responsibility for the child, including other people in the home or at educational institutions, child care centers, or similar places.
Neglect - Neglect occurs when a parent or caregiver fails to provide sufficient food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or supervision for a child.
- What information will I be asked to provide to the hotline representative?
Hotline screeners are trained employees who know how to respond to a report of abuse/neglect. Whenever possible, provide all of the following information:
Who: Identify the people involved – the child, the child's age, the name of the alleged perpetrator and that person's relationship to the child
What: What type of abuse/neglect is suspected? What happened that caused your concern? What is the child's current condition?
When: When did the incident happen? What is the frequency? When did you learn about it?
Where: Where did the incident take place? Where is the child now? Does the alleged perpetrator have access to the child?
How: How urgent is the need for intervention? Is there a likelihood of danger for the caseworker?
Reports of abuse and neglect can be made anonymously!
- 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. Remember, 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 and subject to a fine of up to $1000 or up to six months imprisonment, or both.
- What happens after I make the call?
When a report indicates that a child may be at risk, investigators from the Division of Youth and Family Services will promptly investigate the allegations - within 2 hours for an emergency or within 24 hours in less urgent situations.
