Florida Abuse Hotline

TEL: 1-800-962-2873 TDD: 1-800-453-5145 FAX: 1-800-914-0004* FAX Reporting Form

Report Abuse Online NOW* Online Reporting Guide Online Report System Requirements

*These two reporting systems are provided for your convenience to report non emergency concerns of abuse and/or neglect. An emergency situation occurs when a child or elderly/disabled person appears to face immediate risk of abuse/neglect that is likely to result in death or serious harm (without intervention). If your concerns meet the definition of an emergency situation: FIRST, call 911, SECOND contact the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873. DO NOT fax or submit a web report.

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About the Florida Abuse Hotline

More than 1 million children are victims of child abuse and neglect each year, according to state child protective service agencies. Many victims don't receive help because they are not reported to the system. These abused and neglected children span all ages, races, religions and socio-economic backgrounds. Child maltreatment includes actions that result in imminent risk of serious harm, death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation of a child under age 18 by a parent or caretaker.

When parents can't, don't or won't protect their children, the Department of Children & Families steps in to help, providing a full spectrum of services, from parenting classes and respite care to transportation and child care. The goal of the department is to keep children safe in their own families when possible.

The Florida Abuse Hotline serves as the central reporting center for allegations of abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation for all children and vulnerable adults in Florida.

The Hotline receives calls, faxes, and web based reports from citizens and professionals with concerns of abuse, neglect, or exploitation on children and vulnerable adults in Florida.

The Hotline assesses the information provided by the caller and determines if the information provided meets statutory criteria for the Department of Children and Families to conduct an investigation.

The Hotline’s vision is:

"To help protect children and vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, abandonment, and exploitation."

In order to achieve this vision, the Hotline focuses on four major tasks every day.  Those tasks are referred to as "Triple A, C" and are summarized as "Accessibility, Assessment, Accuracy, and Customer Service."

1. Accessibility:
   We ensure the public and investigative staff can access the Hotline and receive a    positive experience.
2. Assessment:
   We determine if calls meet the statutory definition of abuse, neglect, abandonment, and exploitation.
3. Accuracy:
   We provide accurate, complete, and timely reports to the protective investigations staff.
4. Customer Service:
   We deliver extraordinary customer service to the citizens of Florida and protective   investigations staff.