Report Child Abuse and Neglect to Your County Department of Human Resources
The number of children reported as abused or neglected has increased dramatically in Alabama. Your help is needed to ensure that these children receive adequate protection and services.
Please call your County Department of Human Resources or local law enforcement agency to report suspected abuse or neglect. Do not send reports of suspected abuse or neglect via email.
Alabama law is clear on reporting abuse and neglect of children under the age of 19. The age of majority in Alabama is 19. Reports received on persons aged 18 or older involving incidents that occurred when the person was under 18 are not considered a CA/N report unless the individual is between his/her 18th and 19th birthday and currently in need of protective services. If the person is age 19 or older, child welfare staff shall advise reporters that they may contact the appropriate law enforcement agency to file an incident report as these situations may be appropriate for criminal prosecution. If the incident occurred on or after the 19th birthday and the person is vulnerable, physically disabled, or mentally disabled, DHR’s Adult Protective Services (APS) may be appropriate, and a referral shall be made.
If you are someone who comes in regular contact with children (mandatory reporters) – physician, a teacher, social worker, nurse, or day care worker, for example – you should be aware of your legal obligation to report incidents of suspected or obvious child abuse or neglect. If you are a concerned citizen, neighbor, friend or family member who is aware of such incidents, you should make a report to those who can take action.
