Be Ready to Report
If you suspect child abuse, you are obligated to report it. Here’s the information you need to do it with confidence.
North Carolina law designates every adult a mandated reporter of child abuse, which requires you to report child abuse if you suspect it (statute N.C.G.S 7B-301 and N.C.G.S. 14-318.6). Please take the time to follow through and make a report.
You should make a report with your local Sheriff’s Office AND the Department of Social Services (DSS). Please contact your local CAC for assistance and further guidance.
No, you can’t get in trouble for reporting child abuse in good faith. Even if it turns out after the investigation that your suspicion was mistaken, you still did the right thing in reporting it.
Reporting “in good faith” means reporting what you believe is true. If you honestly suspect child abuse, but it turns out after the investigation that your suspicions are incorrect, you can’t get into any trouble.
Every adult in North Carolina is a mandated reporter for child abuse. Anyone who sees or suspects child abuse — whether physical, psychological or sexual — is required by law to report it. Just as some healthcare workers are required to report abuse while providing emergency care, the safety of our children is the responsibility of every North Carolina adult. (N.C.G.S 7B-301, N.C.G.S. 14-318.6)
Yes, pursuant to N.C.G.S. 7B-302(a3) and N.C.G.S. 14-318.6(e) the identity of a person making a report of child abuse is confidential and must be protected.
Please use this as a guideline. Every situation is unique and will be treated as the professionals involved deem it necessary, in the best interest of the child.
Before You Report
Every child is unique and so is the process taken to protect them. The following should be used as a guideline.
- LISTEN to the child
- DO NOT try to investigate
- DO NOT confront the abuser
- MAKE a report
Making a Report
To find the numbers to your local reporting agencies please refer to our map.
When you make a report to local law enforcement or DSS, the operator will listen to your report and ask questions to gather information, including:
- the name, age, and address of the juvenile
- the name and address of the juvenile’s parent, guardian, or caretaker
- the names and ages of other juveniles in the home
- the present whereabouts of the juvenile if not at the home address
- the nature and extent of any injury or condition resulting from abuse, neglect, or dependency
- any other information which the person believes might be helpful
Keep in mind that you do not have to have all the above information to call. You may call back when you get more information.
After you call
The Police Department and/or Department of Social Services will coordinate to determine the best plan of protection to the victim and under what time frame. DSS and/or the police investigator may make a home visit to interview members of the household to gather further information.
If deemed appropriate to proceed with an interview and medical exam, a referral to the Child Advocacy Center that services the area in which the abuse was committed will be made.
If you have reason to suspect abuse, that’s enough to make a report. However, if you have more evidence, please be ready to provide it when you make your report. Relevant information will include names, locations, descriptions of events, etc. The more information you share, the more helpful it is for the investigation.
Take Action
Be heard. Have hope. Start healing.
Resources & Training
Learn what you need to prevent child abuse with a range of resources and training events throughout the year.