SAFE CHILDREN
SPIRITT Family Services has been providing quality family support services in the San Gabriel Valley since 1972. Our goal is to strengthen families and ensure all our children our safe. Click here for Mission & Vision statements Certain persons, commonly referred to as mandated reporters, are required by law to report any known or suspected child abuse. These include child care custodians, health practitioners, employees of child protective agencies, film print processors, child visitation monitors, firefighter, animal control officer or humane society officer and clergy members. There is a required form that is used by mandated reporters to report a suspected child abuse incident to a child protection agency (i.e., local law enforcement, county probation or a county welfare department.)
One of the most important indicators for suspecting child abuse is when a child tells someone that he or she has been abused. When a child tells someone who is required to report child abuse, the communication is not privileged. That individual, by law, must report what the child has related to him or her.
How to Report Suspected Child Abuse As part of our child abuse prevention programs, our professional staff are required to forward all reports of suspected child abuse or neglect to a social services agency. Do not make a report of suspected child abuse via e-mail. If you suspect child abuse or neglect, it should be reported to your local law enforcement agency, social services agency, or child protective services.
The following are toll-free hotlines recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration that may also prove useful to you.
Child Abuse
Child Protection Hotline
To report child abuse in Los Angeles County, California, contact the Child Protection Hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Toll-free within California, phone (800) 540-4000
- If calling from outside of California, phone (213) 639-4500
- TDD [Hearing Impaired] (800) 272-6699
Childhelp USA National Child Abuse Hotline
1-800-4-A-CHILD
(1-800-422-4453)
Each day in the United States, more than 3 children die as a result of child abuse in the home. In 1998, an estimated 1,100 children died of abuse and neglect-an average of more than 3 children per day. (source: Childhelp USA)
Child Care
Child Care Aware
1-800-424-2246
Choosing child care is an important decision. Good child care arrangements can improve the daily lives of children and parents. In addition, children in high quality care have higher levels of success when they enter school. (source: Child Care Aware)
