More than 1 million children are victims of child abuse and
neglect each year, according to state child protective service
agencies. Many victims do not 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 are unable to
protect their children or refuse to protect them, the Florida Department of
Children & Families steps in to help, providing a full spectrum of services,
from parenting classes and respite care to transportation and
childcare. The goal of the department is to keep children safe in
their own families when possible.
As described in Chapter 415, Florida
Statutes, (F.S.), the Florida Department of Children & Families is charged
with providing comprehensive protective services for abused or neglected
children found in the state by requiring that reports of each abused or
neglected child be made to the Florida Abuse Hotline. In taking action to
prevent further harm to the child or any other children living in the home, the
Department of Children & Families must preserve the family life of the
parents and children, to the maximum extent possible, by enhancing the parental
capacity for adequate child care. Law enforcement is to take the lead in all
criminal investigations and prosecution.
A. The Florida Abuse Hotline
will accept a report when:
1. There is reasonable
cause to suspect that a child (less than 18 years
old),
2. Who can be located in Florida,
or is temporarily out of the state but expected to return in the immediate
future,
3. Has been harmed or is believed to be
threatened with harm,
4. From a person responsible
for the care of the child.
B. Definition of Caretaker Responsible:
Every child should expect to be safe and protected when in the care of:
1. Parent, even if the parent is a minor; or
2. Adult household member found in the home continually or at regular intervals;
or
3. Another adult who has been entrusted with, or voluntarily
assumed responsibility for the care of the child; or.
4.
Another child who is an employee or volunteer of a daycare, private school,
agency, summer camp or similar facility when given sole responsibility for the
care of the child.
C. Description of Harm:
Abuse: Non-accidental
infliction of physical or psychological injury or sexual abuse by a parent,
adult household member, or other person responsible for care of the child.
Neglect: Failure/omission by a caretaker to provide the care,
supervision, services or protection necessary to maintain physical and mental
health.
Threatened Harm: A situation, circumstances or behavior that
lead a prudent person to have reasonable cause to suspect abuse or neglect has
occurred or may occur in the immediate future if no intervention is
provided.
Telephone: 1 - 800 - 96ABUSE (1-800-962-2873)
TDD
(Telephone Device for the Deaf): 1-800-453-5145
Fax: 1 (800)
914-0004
A written report with your name and contact telephone or FAX using
this fax form (in PDF Format, use Adobe Acrobat to view and print) to: 1 - 800 -
914 - 0004
Notification of Report:
Telephone reporters
will always be told prior to concluding your conversation, whether the
information provided has been accepted as a report.
For faxed
information, notification will be provided only when additional information is
needed to accept a report, or when the report does not fall within the
jurisdiction of Children & Families. Your fax number must be clearly
indicated on your report. Although you may request confirmation, you can assume
that your report was accepted if you provided your fax number and receive no
response from the Hotline.
Voice mail messages will not be
confirmed unless you leave a fax number for a response as indicated above. The
Hotline cannot provide telephone confirmations.
Be Prepared to Provide:
1. Victim name, address or location, approximate age, race and
sex;
2. Physical, mental or behavioral indications that the
person is infirm or disabled;
3. Signs or indications of harm or
injury, including a physical description if possible;
4.
Relationship of the alleged perpetrator to the victim, if possible. If the
relationship is unknown, a report will still be taken if other reporting
criteria are met.