Child abuse

teenager in high school

How to report child abuse and neglect in Connecticut

Please call us to report suspected child abuse or neglect as soon as possible. The Child Abuse and Neglect Careline is open 24 hours a day every day of the year.

Mandated reporters:

Quick links

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Mandated reporter portal for non-emergent CPS reports

Provide specific information about suspected abuse or neglect.
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CAPTA/CARA newborn notification portal

Birthing Hospital CAPTA Notifications and/or Newborn CPS Reports Portal
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Background checks

Get info about people who will work with or care for children, including teachers, healthcare providers, childcare providers, and foster and adoptive parents.
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Mandated reporter training

Take the training you need to recognize and report child abuse and neglect. Separate training is provided for school employees and other mandated reporters.

Mandated reporter training

counselor with child

Learn how to recognize and report child abuse and neglect

Connecticut provides online and in-person training for school employees, childcare providers, doctors, nurses, and the many other people who must report child abuse and neglect.

When you go to the mandated training page, you’ll find links to online training for:

  • School employees
  • All other mandated reporters

You’ll also see:

  • Links to the mandated training in Spanish and ASL
  • A form to request in-person training at your school, facility, or organization
  • Contact information for your local mandated reporter liaison

Mandated reporters: Report child abuse and neglect

child with "help" written on her hand

Call as soon as practicable but within 12 hours

The Careline is open 24x7x365. If you suspect child abuse or neglect:

Community supports for children and families

mother with adult daughter in distress

Helpful links

We Are CT connects our residents to a wide range of programs and services for prevention, mental health, and substance use recovery.
  • 211ct 
    2-1-1 connects you to health and human services. It’s free and confidential.
  • CT BHP 
    Get help for emotional challenges, mental illness, or substance use.
  • Connecting to Care 
    Services and support for mental health and other challenges.
  • Community Pathways (PDF) 
    Learn about and use community-based supports and interventions.

Forms used by DCF, hospitals, and the police

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DCF-737 (PDF)

Notification to State/Local Police of Suspected Child Sexual Abuse, Severe Physical Abuse and/or Neglect form.
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DCF-823 (PDF)

Exceptional Circumstances form. For critical incidents that happen to children, mostly used by internal workers and facilities.
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DCF-460 (PDF)

Informed Consent For Necessary Or Emergency Health Care. For emergency childrens’ surgeries, used by hospitals.
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DCF-465 (PDF)

Psychotropic Medication Consent Requests. Medication change form for children, used by hospitals.

Background checks

Criminal background checks 
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Get key info before you hire

DCF searches databases for info about people who will work with or care for children, including teachers, healthcare providers, childcare providers, and foster and adoptive parents.
  • For employment 
    We search the Central Registry and Child Abuse & Neglect history of people who will work with or provide a service to children and families.
  • Adoption and foster care 
    We review people who want to foster or adopt children, work in a DCF licensed care facility, or provide certain services.
  • Adam Walsh 
    State, national, and international agencies outside of Connecticut can request these background checks.
Criminal background checks