How to Help Stop Child Abuse and Neglect

Reporting Requirements:

If a child tells you that he or she has been hurt or you are concerned that a child may be the victim of any type of abuse or neglect, you must call the Division for Children, Youth and Families (DCYF).

NH Statute requires any person with reason to suspect a child under age 18 has been abused or neglected must report that suspicion immediately to DCYF.

If you have reason to suspect a child has been abused or neglected, contact DCYF by telephone from 8 :00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.

Proof of abuse and neglect is not required to make a report.

Reports of abuse and neglect concerns are confidential and can be anonymous. If you give your name, please know NH Statutes do not allow DCYF to release it to anyone. DCYF will not reveal your name unless you agree or a court orders DCYF to do so. If the family being investigated asks for DCYF records, staff must remove the name of the person who made the report. However, if the case ever goes to court, a judge may request identifying information.

Call your local police department with urgent child abuse or neglect reports during DCYF non-work hours (between 4:30 PM and 8:00 AM or on weekends and holidays).

When you contact DCYF you'll be asked for some information. You may not have all the answers. Just tell us what you know regarding:

The name, address, sex, and estimated age of the child and any other children at the home
The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the adults who are responsible for the child
The full nature and extent of the child's injuries, maltreatment, or neglect
Any information about previous injuries, abuse, maltreatment or neglect
How great a risk you believe this may be to the child
How you learned of this situation
Any action that has been taken to treat or assist the child
Any other information that could be helpful in determining the cause of the injuries
A written report may be requested by DCYF within 48 hours.

Sometimes, people are unsure if a situation is abusive. Even if you're in doubt, call. DCYF has extensive experience in child protection. DCYF may find no abuse or neglect has taken place but may still offer assistance to the family.

To report Abuse or Neglect, Call 1-800-894-5533 or (603) 271-6556 (8:00 AM- 4:30PM ~ Monday – Friday). Currently, DCYF contracts with Easter Seals for its after-hours response coverage. The number is: 1-800-685-8772.

This information was obtained from: http://www.dhhs.state.nh.us

Through the kindness and generosity of local retailers, businesses and individuals, NH FAPA receives both cash and in-kind donations ranging from large grants to unique donations for our youth in care and our foster and adoptive families.

NH Foster and Adoptive Parent Association is a 501c3 non-profit organization. All donors will receive a tax deductible receipt for their contribution to the extent allowable by law. This makes giving to NH FAPA, easy and tax beneficial!

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If you have any questions or would like more information, we would be happy to speak with you further. Call Jen Guillemette, Director of NH FAPA at (603) 717-5899 or email jenguill@comcast.net.