Professional Resources
Clear information for professionals who support children.
Access reporting guidance, possible signs of abuse, Child Advocacy Center information, training opportunities, and trusted resources for professionals serving children and families in Morris County.
You do not need to investigate or confirm abuse before reporting a reasonable concern.
Questions about reporting?
Understand the process before a concern arises
If you are unsure how the reporting process works or encounter a problem while making a report, Deirdre’s House can help explain the process and connect you with the appropriate resource. Deirdre’s House does not receive abuse reports or conduct investigations.
Important reporting message
If you have reasonable cause to believe that a child may be abused or neglected, call the New Jersey State Central Registry at 1-877-NJ-ABUSE (1-877-652-2873). You do not need proof to make a report. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.
For Morris County professionals
Resources for people who work with children and families
Different professions have different roles, but everyone benefits from clear reporting information, trauma-informed communication, and an understanding of the coordinated Child Advocacy Center response.
Educators & School Staff
Reporting information, possible signs of abuse, prevention education, and training opportunities for people working in schools.
Healthcare Providers
Child Advocacy Center information, multidisciplinary coordination, and guidance on connecting families with appropriate child advocacy and medical resources.
Child-Serving Organizations
Prevention education, reporting guidance, and training information for organizations and programs serving children and families.
Community & Multidisciplinary Partners
Information about Deirdre’s House, the CAC model, professional collaboration, outreach, and community education.
Start here
What do you need today?
Report a concern
Find the New Jersey hotline, understand what information may be requested, and learn what generally happens after a report.
View reporting guidanceReview possible signs
Learn about physical, behavioral, emotional, and developmental changes that may warrant attention.
Learn the signsExplore training opportunities
Review presentations available for professional, school, organizational, and community audiences.
View trainingsRequest a presentation
Tell Deirdre’s House about your audience, preferred format, topic, and scheduling needs.
Request a training
If a child tells you
Listen, support, and report.
Your role is not to conduct an investigation. Stay calm, allow the child to speak in their own words, and report the concern promptly.
Helpful responses
- Listen calmly and without judgment.
- Allow the child to use their own words.
- Say, “I’m glad you told me.”
- Say, “This is not your fault.”
- Explain honestly that you need to involve people whose job is to help keep children safe.
- Record and report only what you observed, heard, or were told, following applicable professional requirements.
What to avoid
- Do not ask detailed, repeated, or leading questions.
- Do not investigate the concern yourself.
- Do not promise secrecy.
- Do not confront the person you suspect.
- Do not ask the child to repeat the account unnecessarily.
- Do not delay reporting while seeking more information.
Coordinated child advocacy
How professionals work together around the child
A Child Advocacy Center provides a child-focused setting where professionals involved in the response to suspected abuse can coordinate appropriate information and services.
The multidisciplinary response may involve child protection, law enforcement, prosecution, medical care, mental health services, forensic interviewing, and family advocacy. Each professional retains their own role and responsibilities.
Resource library
Guidance and materials for professionals
Use the resources below to learn about reporting, the Child Advocacy Center model, multidisciplinary coordination, and prevention education.
Official guidance
How and When to Report Child Abuse or Neglect
Official reporting information from the New Jersey Department of Children and Families.
Official guidance
Reporting Guidance for New Jersey Schools
Official child abuse reporting information for New Jersey school professionals.
Web page
Signs of Child Abuse
Possible signs and general guidance for responding when a child shares a concern.
Professional resource
Morris County MDT Handbook
Information about the local multidisciplinary response and the roles of participating professionals.
Organization
National Children’s Alliance
National information, standards, and resources related to Children’s Advocacy Centers.
Organization
National Children’s Advocacy Center
Education and resources related to child abuse prevention, intervention, and the CAC model.
Web page
Child Abuse Prevention Resources
Practical prevention information for families, professionals, and child-serving organizations.
Video
The Child Advocacy Center Model
An introduction to how Child Advocacy Centers coordinate professionals around children and families.
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Training & presentations
Bring practical education to your team or community.
Deirdre’s House offers free in-person and virtual presentations for schools, educators, corporations, community groups, parents, students, and staff.
Presentations are available in English and Spanish, with sessions adapted for different audiences.
- Training options tailored to the needs of schools and school staff
- Identifying and reporting child abuse
- Cyberbullying and internet safety
- Helping parents navigate technology safety
A local professional resource
Schedule training for your staff
Ask about prevention and reporting presentations for schools, organizations, community groups, and professionals serving children in Morris County.
To report suspected child abuse or neglect, call: 1-877-NJ-ABUSE (1-877-652-2873)
If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.