Report:
A trained and certified call-taker will take your report by asking you a series of questions.
Call the Colorado Child Abuse and
Neglect Hotline if you suspect a child is
experiencing abuse or neglect.
844-CO-4-Kids What isthe Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline?
The Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline is a single toll-free phone number to report any concern, suspicion or known child abuse or neglect. Regardless of where a person is in the state, they can call 844-CO-4-Kids (844-264-5437). The Colorado Hotline is 100% confidential and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
The Hotline’s primary goal is to ensure children and youth are protected from abuse and neglect. When someone reports concerns to the Hotline, county child welfare professionals assess allegations of child abuse or neglect. If needed, they connect parents and caregivers with services to help them create a safe and stable home. In more than 95% of child welfare assessments for abuse and neglect in the state, children and youth stay with their families.
Trust Your Instincts, But Never Lie
We encourage you to trust your instincts and report any concerns about child abuse and neglect in Colorado. However, please keep in mind that making a false report intentionally is illegal and has consequences that may include jail time and fines.
If the Situation is Life Threatening, Call 911
Anyone witnessing a life-threatening situation with a child should call 911 immediately. Life-threatening situations include, but are not limited to: an unresponsive child or youth, a child left unattended in a car on a hot day or a child abandoned on the street.
What Information Do You Need to Call the Child Abuse
& Neglect Hotline?
When you call the Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline, the call-taker will ask several questions, and you’ll need to have some key information ready to share. At a minimum, you’ll be asked these details:
- Name of the child or youth
- Home, school or childcare address
- Reasons why you suspect child abuse or neglect
- Specifics about any known injuries to the child(ren) or youth
Your Call to the Hotline is Confidential
and You Can Stay Anonymous
When you call the Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline, your identity will remain confidential except to the responding caseworker, who may call you for more information. Only a judge can request an identity disclosure.
If desired, you can choose to remain anonymous when making a report.
What Happens When You Call?
Report:
County child welfare professionals will only consider out-of-home care if the current home environment is determined to be unsafe for a child or youth. These out-of-home placements can include kin, foster families or a congregate care setting. The goal is always to support family preservation and reunification whenever possible.
In more than 
% of child welfare assessments for abuse and
neglect, children and youth stay with their families.
% of child welfare assessments for abuse andneglect, children and youth stay with their families.
WhoWill Take My Call?
When you call the Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline, a trained and certified call-taker will help you make your report. All of our call-takers:
- Pass a background check to verify that they don’t have a history of child abuse or neglect.
- Complete child abuse and neglect mandatory training.
- Are knowledgeable of social work, child welfare or related fields.
- Get frequent training in child welfare topics, rules and procedures.
Key Things to ExpectWhen Reporting Child Abuse or Neglect
When you call the Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline, knowing what to expect can help you feel more prepared and confident. Here is what you can expect during and after your report:
Set Aside Time
The report will take some time to complete; you may be on the call for 20 minutes or longer.
Be Prepared
You will be asked detailed questions that go beyond what you have observed or heard.
Don’t Worry About
What You Don’t Know
You are not expected to have all the answers.
Answer Honestly
The call-taker may also ask questions about the family’s demographics and strengths, such as stable housing and likelihood of engaging in supportive services.
Assessments May
Not Always Happen
Upon reviewing the provided information, a team of county child welfare professionals may decide not to open an assessment because the information was not enough to meet what Colorado law defines as “child abuse” or “child neglect.”
You Might Not Know
What Happens Next
In many instances, callers are not notified of the outcome of their report. However, if you are a mandatory reporter, you can call back with your report case ID number for follow-up support.
Your Report May
Trigger an Assessment,
But Not a Case
The county may not open a case after the assessment because they’ve determined no safety concerns remain. But, the county may offer voluntary prevention services to the family.
Reporting Complaints
In Colorado, counties are responsible for responding to and assessing child abuse and neglect reports. If you have contacted your county regarding a child welfare concern, but need further assistance from the state, you can make a complaint by filling out the Child Welfare Complaint Form (Google Forms), emailing the Colorado Department of Human Services at cdhs_clientservices@state.co.us, or by calling 303.866.3275.
In Most Reports, Law Enforcement is Not Involved
The Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline works with counties and child welfare experts across the state. Law enforcement may be involved when there is an immediate threat to a child that they have been made aware of. Law enforcement may also be involved if they have seen a child who is in need of support or services while coming into contact with a family in the community.
After Your Report, You May Need to Testify
After a report is received and assessed by a county department, a reporter may be called to testify if the assessment becomes a legal case. Although rare, it may be necessary for you to inform the court of your knowledge of the abuse or neglect, which will allow the court to make an informed decision about the child’s safety.
While your report to the Hotline is 100% confidential, a judge can request an identity disclosure if the assessment becomes a legal case.
What HappensIf I am Reported? What Happens If a Caseworker Wants to Visit Me?
If you are contacted by a caseworker because a person is concerned about the safety and well-being of children and youth in your home, there are a few things you need to know:
-
Remain Calm
The caseworker is there to learn more about your family, provide you with support and ensure your child/youth is in a safe environment.
-
Meet the Caseworker
You can choose to initially receive the caseworker in your home or ask to meet them in the community. Depending on the concern reported to the Hotline, caseworkers may ask you to see your home.
-
The Interview
You can choose to have family or friends with you during the interview.
-
Answer What You’re Comfortable With
Answer the questions you feel comfortable answering.
-
Ask Questions
Ask as many questions as you need.
-
Understand Any Tasks
If the department is asking you to complete any tasks, it’s important to ask questions to understand the reason.
-
Stay in Contact
Ask for the caseworker’s and their supervisor’s contact information, and the best times to contact them.
-
Get Support if You Need It
If needed, you can choose to hire an attorney or contact the Office of Respondent Parents’ Counsel for support.
-
Request Your Records
You can request a copy of your records after an assessment is completed. Usually, assessments are closed within 60 days.
Looking for Other
Resources?
The Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline only receives concerns related to child abuse and neglect.
If you are looking for other resources, services, or programs, we can help point you in the right direction. Visit our Searching for Another Service page to learn more.
Learn How You Can
Prevent Child Abuse
& Neglect
Whether you’re a mandatory reporter, a parent or someone’s neighbor, we all play a role in preventing child abuse and neglect. There are many ways that you can step up for children and families in Colorado today!