All adults should feel responsible for protecting the children of our communities. If you suspect that a child has been abused, it is your responsibility to report.
If the child is in immediate danger, call 911.
If you suspect that a child is being, or has been abused or neglected, report it immediately:
Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline
Missouri: 800-392-3738
Kansas: 800-922-5330
Oklahoma: 800-522-3511
Arkansas: 800-482-5964
The Children’s Division Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline Unit (CA/NHU) accepts confidential reports of suspected child abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Reports are received through a toll-free telephone line which is answered seven days a week, 24 hours a day. You don’t have to know all the facts to make a report.
What to do if you think a child has been abused:
- Keep calm
- Listen to the child
- Reassure the child that they did the right thing by telling
- Reassure the child that they are not in trouble
- Answer the child’s questions honestly
- Report the allegations to the police and the Children’s Division
- Don’t pressure the child by asking for specific details