Everyone must take an active role in monitoring child safety in their families, neighborhoods and communities. It’s possible that a child may make a disclosure to you over your online communication, or that you may pick up on disturbing behavior or warning signs through that online communication. What you see, hear or observe may cause you to suspect one of the types of child abuse—physical abuse, neglect, emotional/psychological abuse or sexual abuse.
Parents or caretakers who are in need of support:
- Call the National Parent Helpline at 1-855-4 A PARENT (1-855-427-2736).
To report suspected child abuse or neglect, contact law enforcement or child protective services (CPS):
- In Cuyahoga County, the child abuse and neglect hotline for the Division of Children and Family Services (216-696-KIDS) can now be contacted via phone, email, website and Facebook.
- Anywhere in Ohio, call 855-OH-CHILD to reach an automated system that will direct your call to the appropriate child welfare or law enforcement authorities.
- Or call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (800-422-4453).
To report suspected online sexual exploitation:
- Contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) at 1-800-THE LOST (1-800-843-5678) or report online through the CyberTipline.
Your role as a safe adult is extremely important to the children in your life, whether they are in your own home or see you intermittently, or hardly at all.