To report suspected child abuse and/or neglect call Intake 1-800-452-1999, if you are deaf or hard of hearing call 711 (Maine Relay).
The Office of Child and Family Services line is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including on holidays.
Everyone has a role to play in supporting child safety and family well-being.
Community members – Friends, neighbors, family members, and some professionals have a broad shared responsibility for child safety and family well-being. The community is best situated to build relationships and identify and connect families to resources, support, and services when there are needs identified.
Mandated reporters are professionals and individuals who have a legal obligation to report suspected child abuse or neglect. Many professionals and individuals have relationships with families and could also connect them to resources, support, and services.
The child welfare agency has a legal obligation to receive reports of suspected abuse or neglect, and to review and investigate reports when appropriate to determine if abuse or neglect has occurred. If child abuse or neglect is found, the agency works with the family to ensure the safety of the child.
It may be hard to know what resources are available and what would best meet the needs of families. It is important to think critically about the situation and consider that you don’t have to report a family to support a family. Additional information and resources are available to help you support a family who might be in need, whether or not child abuse or neglect is suspected.
The Maine Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) operate the statewide hotline for child abuse and neglect. To report suspected child abuse and/or neglect call Intake 1-800-452-1999, if you are deaf or hard of hearing call 711 (Maine Relay). The line is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including on holidays.
Some mandated reporters (medical professional, hospital staff, school personnel, and law enforcement personnel) can report non-emergency information related to child abuse and/or neglect online using the Katahdin Child Welfare System. All others should call the Child Welfare Intake hotline at 1-800-452-1999.
For more information and resources for mandated reporters, visit https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/provider-resources/reporting-suspected-child-abuse-and-neglect/mandated-reporter-information.