In New Jersey, every citizen - every teacher, doctor and neighbor - every person who comes into contact with a child and observes behavior or conditions that might indicate abuse or neglect is required by law to report their suspicions. Then, state authorities can investigate and take appropriate action.

          (1-877-652-2873)

On July 1, 2004, for the first time, people from all across the State of New Jersey will be able to call one toll free telephone number, any time of the day or night, to report suspected child abuse or neglect. This is a dramatic improvement from present practice.

Before the advent of this statewide toll free hotline, police, teachers, doctors, nurses, neighbors and others who saw signs that a child might need help, had to call one of over 30 District Offices during business hours or a different number after 5 p.m. and on weekends.

Better reporting: Suspected abuse or neglect will more likely get reported because everyone will know how to make a report.

More Consistent Outcomes: Trained hotline screeners will make decisions that are more consistent across the state and from case to case.

Lower-risk reports will be diverted to more appropriate referrals: Fewer cases will be referred for abuse or neglect investigations as reports of problems with lower levels of risk to a child will be referred to appropriate services.

Prompt investigations of abuse or neglect allegations: Hotline screeners will be trained to get complete information rapidly so response priorities can be set (i.e. immediate response or within 24 hours of the call) and investigators can get into the field with effective, efficient investigations as quickly as possible.