Report Abuse
Reporting takes one phone call. You can make it today.
In New Jersey, anyone with reasonable cause to believe that a child may have been abused or neglected must report the concern immediately. You do not need proof or certainty to make a report.
Report suspected abuse or neglect
1-877-NJ-ABUSE1-877-652-2873New Jersey State Central Registry
Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Calls may be made anonymously
If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.
Do not confront the person you suspect or delay calling while you investigate. Report what you know to the appropriate authorities.
Choose the right contact
Who should you call?
Choose the contact that best matches the situation. You do not need to call these numbers in sequence.
Immediate danger
911Call 911 if a child is in immediate danger, needs urgent medical attention, or requires an immediate emergency response.
Call 911Report suspected abuse or neglect
1-877-NJ-ABUSE1-877-652-2873Call the New Jersey State Central Registry to report suspected child abuse or neglect. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Calls may be made anonymously.
TTY: 1-800-835-5510
Call the hotlineQuestions about the process
(973) 631-5000Deirdre’s House can help explain the reporting process and answer general questions, but it does not receive or investigate reports of suspected abuse.
Contact Deirdre’s HouseYou do not need proof to call.
Report what you observed, heard, or were told. Trained hotline staff will ask questions and determine the appropriate next step.
What happens after
Making a report does not automatically mean a child will be removed from home.
Each report is reviewed individually. The response depends on the information provided, the child’s circumstances, and any immediate safety concerns.
- 01
You make the call
A trained State Central Registry screener will ask what you observed, heard, or were told. You may make the report anonymously.
- 02
The report is reviewed
The State Central Registry reviews the information and determines whether the report meets the criteria for a response by the Division of Child Protection and Permanency.
- 03
An appropriate response begins
If the report is accepted for a response, a caseworker begins an assessment. Law enforcement may also become involved depending on the circumstances and urgency.
- 04
Deirdre’s House may become part of the response
When a case in Morris County requires a forensic interview, specialized medical care, advocacy, counseling, or other coordinated services, Deirdre’s House may support the child and family as part of the multidisciplinary response.
- 05
The child and family receive support
Families referred to Deirdre’s House may receive forensic interview services, specialized medical care, family advocacy, trauma-focused counseling, and other support based on their needs.
The exact process varies from case to case. Hotline staff and responding professionals determine the appropriate next steps.
What to have ready
Share what you know but call even if you do not have every detail.
The hotline screener may ask for the following information. It is okay if you cannot answer every question.
- The child’s name, age, and address, if known
- What you saw, heard, noticed, or were told
- When the incident happened and whether it may have happened before
- The name of the person you are concerned about and their relationship to the child
- Whether you believe the child is in immediate danger
- Your name and contact information, if you choose to provide them
Do not delay making a report because some information is missing.
New Jersey reporting requirements
Everyone in New Jersey has a responsibility to report.
New Jersey law requires any person with reasonable cause to believe that a child may have been abused or neglected to report the concern immediately to the State Central Registry. This responsibility applies to professionals and members of the public.
- You do not need proof or certainty before calling.
- Workplace procedures should not delay an immediate report.
- Do not investigate the concern yourself.
- Report what you observed, heard, or were told.
- Calls to the State Central Registry may be made anonymously.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about making a report
You do not need to be certain. You need to make the call.
New Jersey State Central Registry
Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Calls may be made anonymously