How to Make an Anonymous CPS Report Online & Over the Phone

This article was co-authored by Clinton M. Sandvick, JD, PhD and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Clinton M. Sandvick worked as a civil litigator in California for over 7 years. He received his JD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1998 and his PhD in American History from the University of Oregon in 2013.

There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.

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Any suspected child abuse or neglect is a serious issue, and it’s important to report it to Child Protective Services (CPS) as soon as possible. In the United States, CPS is managed on a state level, so it’s essential to contact your state’s CPS branch online or over the phone to make an anonymous report. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the reporting process, including useful phone numbers, websites, and hotlines. We’ll also cover the different types of child abuse and how to recognize them so you can be as informed as possible when making your report.

Things You Should Know

Make an anonymous report online or over the phone using your state’s designated website and phone number.
Provide as much detail as you can in your report, including the events or observations that caused you to suspect abuse.
Call the Childhelp National Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 for additional advice on how to report child abuse.

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How to Anonymously Report to CPS

Check the State Phone Numbers & Websites for Reporting section below to find the best ways to report child abuse in your state.

“Whenever I see Jake, an 8-year-old kid in my neighborhood, he’s always covered in bruises. I’m worried that his parents might be abusing him at home.”
“Casey Perkins, a 12-year-old in my child’s class, frequently comes to school in dirty clothes, and she has an obvious body odor. My child also notices that she asks other students for part of their lunches—I’m concerned that she might be neglected at home.”
“I volunteer at a summer camp, and I’m seriously concerned that Randall Ramirez, a 9-year-old kid there, might be getting sexually abused at home. They always seem to be in pain when they’re sitting down, and they tested positive for an STI at the infirmary.”

Call the Childhelp Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 to learn if/how you can follow up on your case.

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State Phone Numbers & Websites for Reporting

* means that the website is meant for mandated reporters only
** means that the website may be unavailable

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Other Important Hotlines

911 If a child’s life is actively in danger, call 911 so emergency services can be dispatched to the proper household. Although it can be intimidating to call 911 on behalf of someone you don’t know well, it’s important to follow your gut instincts—you could be saving a life!

Childhelp also offers text support at the same number and live chat support on their website.

Keep in mind that CyberTipline is meant to report online child abuse, not adult abuse. If someone has posted inappropriate content of an adult online, visit the Stop Non-Consensual Image Abuse website or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.

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Who can make an anonymous CPS report?

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Visit the Child Welfare Information Gateway's website for more information about mandatory reporters.

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How to Recognize Child Abuse

The child is absent often.
The child doesn’t dress appropriately for the weather.
The child seems filthy and smells bad.
The child requests food and/or steals money from others. [7] X Research source

A child with visible injuries (e.g., bruises, burns, bites, etc.).
A child who’s visibly afraid of their parent or guardian.
A child who’s fearful of adults.
A child with disappearing injuries after being away from school. [9] X Trustworthy Source Child Welfare Information Gateway Online portal managed by the U.S. Children's Bureau providing resources related to childcare and abuse prevention Go to source

A child with polarizing types of behavior (e.g., being incredibly submissive then being incredibly aggressive).
A child who’s behind their peers when it comes to emotional development and maturity.
A child who acts extremely mature or extremely juvenile.
A child who has tried to take their own life in the past. [11] X Trustworthy Source Child Welfare Information Gateway Online portal managed by the U.S. Children's Bureau providing resources related to childcare and abuse prevention Go to source

The child has trouble sitting down or walking around.
The child mentions wetting the bed or having bad dreams.
The child is uncomfortable switching clothes for gym class or doing physical things.
The child gets pregnant or tests positive for an STI/STD. [13] X Trustworthy Source Child Welfare Information Gateway Online portal managed by the U.S. Children's Bureau providing resources related to childcare and abuse prevention Go to source

Medical abuse Medical abuse revolves around parents or caregivers who falsely report their child as sick and proceed to give them unnecessary medical treatments. [14] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Parents or guardians involved in medical abuse may claim that their child is feeling unwell, even if a medical professional can’t verify this diagnosis. Factitious Disorder Imposed on Another (FIDA), originally labeled as Munchausen Syndrome by proxy, is an example of medical abuse. [15] X Research source

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If you’re ever confused about any part of the child abuse reporting process, call or text the Childhelp Hotline at 1-800-422-4453, or visit their website to chat with a professional.

Check out resources like ChildWelfare, HHS, MayoClinic, and KidsHealth to learn more about child abuse.

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