If you suspect that a child is being abused or neglected, report it immediately to the Child Abuse Hotline* or call 911.
*Hotline number if you are in Missouri: 800-392-3738 *Hotline if you are not in Missouri: 573-751-3448
Text telephone number: 1-800-669-8689.
*Hotline for children living in Kansas: 800-922-5330
*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.
If the child is in immediate danger, call 911.
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 or Social and Rehabilitative Services (SRS)
Don't pressure the child to talk about the allegations
