To report child abuse and neglect committed by a parent, guardian, or person exercising custodial control or supervision of a child, or abuse by a non-caretaker in cases of human trafficking or female genital mutilation, call the child protection hotline at 1-877-KYSAFE1 (1-877-597-2331) or your local police. In Jefferson County, you may call Child Protective Services (CPS) at 502-595-4550 or the Crimes Against Children Unit in the Louisville Metro Police Department (CACU) or local county sheriff’s department also can be contacted. The Jefferson County phone numbers are 502- 574-2465 or 502-574-7111.
If you are uncertain about whether you are dealing with abuse, it is recommended that you call and talk over what has come to your attention. You will be assisted in sorting out the information, such as whether a specific incident must be reported and to whom. The important principle is that all suspected abuse must be reported.
If you feel the child is in imminent danger and is in need of immediate protection, call 911 or your local police department. For example, a very young child or handicapped child who is left alone with no adult supervision needs immediate help. Police officers can remove a minor from a threatening environment in order to protect the child if the child is in imminent danger of death or serious physical injury or is being sexually abused, and the custodian is unable/unwilling to protect the child (KRS 620.040(4)(c).
Who Must Report
The law states that it is the duty of anyone who has reasonable cause to believe that a child is dependent, abused or neglected to report this information.
KRS 620.030 states:
- Any person who knows or has reasonable cause to believe that a child is dependent, neglected or abused shall immediately cause an oral or written report to be made to a local law enforcement agency or the Kentucky State Police; the cabinet or its representative; the commonwealth’s attorney or the county by telephone or otherwise.
- Any person, including, but not limited to a physician, osteopathic physician, nurse, teacher, school personnel, social worker, coroner, medical examiner, child-care personnel, resident, intern, chiropractor, dentist, optometrist, emergency medical technician, paramedic, health professional, mental health professional, peace officer or any organization or agency for any of the above, who knows or has reasonable cause to believe that a child is dependent, neglected or abused, regardless or whether the person believed to have caused the dependency, neglect or abuse is a parent, guardian, person exercising custodial control or supervision or another person who has attended such child as a part of his professional duties.
KRS 620.030 also states:
Any supervisor who receives a report from an employee shall promptly make a report to the proper authorities for investigation.
What the Department for Community-Based Services Needs to Know
When you call, the department will need information that will identify the child, evaluate the problem, and allow them to respond quickly and appropriately. You will need to report what happened to the child and when; how you view this situation, what first-hand knowledge you have, and where the child can be located. You need to report if you feel that there is imminent danger to the child. You also need to provide the names and addresses of the parents and/or caretakers.
The essential information you will need in making a report:
- The names and addresses of the child and his or her parents or other persons who have custodial responsibility for the child.
- Any concerns about the child’s safety.
- The age of the child.
- Any person believed to be responsible for the abuse or neglect to the child if the person is known.
- The nature and extent of the abuse or neglect, including any previous charges of abuse or neglect, if known.
- The name and address of the reporter, if he or she chooses.
- Where the child can be found.
Confidentiality
The name of the person making a report is confidential except to law enforcement or state officials who are investigating the case or unless the court has reason to believe that an informant knowingly made a false report. In addition, anyone making a good faith report is immune from criminal or civil liability.
