When a child discloses that they have been molested by an adult, this is a sacred and urgent responsibility. How you respond can either protect and bring healing, or unintentionally cause further harm. Those entrusted with children must act with both legal responsibility and Christian integrity.
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1. Legal and Ethical Responsibilities
Mandatory Reporting
In every U.S. state, professionals who work with children—counselors, teachers, social workers, clergy (in most states)—are mandated reporters. This means you must immediately report suspected abuse to child protective services (CPS) or law enforcement. Failure to report can result in criminal charges, civil penalties, and loss of professional licensure.
Confidentiality Limits
Confidentiality is important, but it is not absolute. When a child’s safety is at risk, you are legally and ethically bound to break confidentiality and report. Make this clear to children and families before sessions when possible.
Working in an Organization
If you serve in a school, church, counseling practice, or other institution, you must:
Immediately notify your supervisor or designated reporting authority within the organization.
Allow the supervisor to file the report if that is your organizational policy, since they may have additional information or context you do not.
Always follow your organizational policies and procedures regarding abuse reporting.
Confirm that the report has been made within 24 business hours. Never assume someone else followed through—verify.
Christian Ethics
Silence, cover-ups, and minimization of abuse are sinful and destructive. Scripture commands protection of the vulnerable and justice for the oppressed (Matthew 18:6; James 1:27; Proverbs 31:8–9; Ephesians 5:11). Forgiveness does not cancel accountability.
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2. Immediate Steps When a Minor Discloses Abuse
1. Stay Calm and Listen
Do not react with shock, anger, or disbelief.
Assure the child: “I believe you,” “This is not your fault,” and “I will help you.”
2. Do Not Investigate
Do not interrogate or press for details.
Ask just enough to understand abuse has been disclosed (who, what, when, where).
Leave investigations to CPS and law enforcement.
3. Clarify Your Role
Gently explain that you are required by law and by your role to report what they told you.
Assure them that this is an act of protection, not betrayal.
4. Report Immediately
Call your state’s child abuse hotline (see list below).
If the child is in immediate danger, dial 911.
Document exactly what the child said, when, and what you observed. Record facts only, not assumptions.
5. Notify Your Organization (if applicable)
Contact your supervisor or designated staff member right away.
Ensure organizational reporting procedures are followed.
Verify that the report has been submitted within 24 business hours.
6. Provide Ongoing Care
Pray with the child if appropriate, offer spiritual encouragement, and remind them of God’s love.
Connect them with trauma-informed counseling and support services.
Ensure they are in a safe environment.
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3. Things to Avoid
Do not delay reporting while trying to confirm facts. “Reasonable suspicion” is enough.
Do not confront the alleged abuser yourself.
Do not attempt to investigate on your own.
Do not minimize, cover up, or treat the abuse as a matter that can be “handled internally.”
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4. Practical Reporting Methods
Phone: Use the state’s child abuse hotline.
Online: Many states provide secure online reporting portals.
In Person: Visit a local CPS or child welfare office.
Police: If danger is imminent, call 911.
Include in Your Report:
Child’s name, age, and location.
Alleged abuser’s name (if known).
What was disclosed, with times/dates if available.
Any physical, emotional, or behavioral signs observed.
Your name and contact information (protected in most states if reported in good faith).
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5. Biblical Foundations for Reporting
Matthew 18:5–6: Jesus’ warning against harming children.
Proverbs 31:8–9: Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.
Romans 13:1–4: Authorities exist to punish wrongdoing.
Ephesians 5:11: Expose the deeds of darkness.
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6. State-by-State Child Abuse Reporting Hotlines
Here are the main reporting numbers for each U.S. state and D.C. If uncertain or if a child is in immediate danger, call 911.
Alabama: (334) 242-9500 – Dept. of Human Resources CPS
Alaska: (800) 478-4444 – Office of Children’s Services
Arizona: (888) 767-2445 – Dept. of Child Safety
Arkansas: (800) 482-5964 – Division of Children & Family Services
California: County-specific CPS hotlines – CA Dept. of Social Services
Colorado: (844) 264-5437 – Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline
Connecticut: (800) 842-2288 – Dept. of Children & Families
Delaware: (800) 292-9582 – Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline
District of Columbia: (202) 671-7233 – Child & Family Services Agency
Florida: (800) 962-2873 – Abuse Hotline, Dept. of Children & Families
Georgia: (404) 657-3433 – Division of Family & Children Services
Hawaii: (808) 832-5300 – Dept. of Human Services
Idaho: (855) 552-5437 – Children & Family Services
Illinois: (800) 252-2873 – Dept. of Children & Family Services
Indiana: (800) 800-5556 – Dept. of Child Services
Iowa: (800) 362-2178 – Dept. of Human Services
Kansas: (800) 922-5330 – Dept. for Children & Families
Kentucky: (877) 597-2331 – Child Protection Hotline
Louisiana: (855) 452-5437 – Dept. of Children & Family Services
Maine: (800) 452-1999 – Dept. of Health & Human Services
Maryland: (800) 917-7383 – Child Protective Services
Massachusetts: (800) 792-5200 – Dept. of Children & Families
Michigan: (855) 444-3911 – Dept. of Health & Human Services
Minnesota: County-specific CPS – see state website
Mississippi: (601) 432-4570 – Dept. of Child Protection Services
Missouri: (800) 392-3738 – Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline
Montana: (866) 820-5437 – Child & Family Services Division
Nebraska: (800) 652-1999 – Dept. of Health & Human Services
Nevada: (833) 571-1041 – Division of Child & Family Services
New Hampshire: (603) 271-6562 – Division for Children, Youth & Families
New Jersey: (877) 652-2872 – Child Abuse Hotline
New Mexico: (855) 333-7233 – Children, Youth & Families Dept.
New York: (800) 342-3720 – Statewide Central Register
North Carolina: Local DSS offices – county-specific numbers
North Dakota: (833) 958-3500 – Child Abuse Hotline
Ohio: (855) 642-4453 – Child Abuse Hotline
Oklahoma: (800) 522-3511 – Dept. of Human Services
Oregon: (855) 503-7233 – Child Abuse Hotline
Pennsylvania: (800) 932-0313 – ChildLine
Rhode Island: (800) 742-4453 – Dept. of Children, Youth & Families
South Carolina: (888) 227-3487 – Dept. of Social Services
South Dakota: (877) 244-0864 – Child Protection Services
Tennessee: (877) 237-0004 – Dept. of Children’s Services
Texas: (800) 252-5400 – Dept. of Family & Protective Services
Utah: (855) 323-3237 – Child Protective Services
Vermont: (800) 649-5285 – Dept. for Children & Families
Virginia: (800) 552-7096 – Dept. of Social Services
Washington: (866) 363-4276 – Dept. of Children, Youth & Families
West Virginia: (800) 352-6513 – Bureau for Children & Families
Wisconsin: County-specific CPS – see state website
Wyoming: County-specific CPS – see state website
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7. Key Summary
Believe, protect, and report immediately.
Legal reporting is not optional.
If in an organization, notify your supervisor immediately and follow policy.
Verify the report has been filed within 24 business hours.
Christian ethics require transparency, justice, and advocacy for the vulnerable.