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CHILD ABUSE, NEGLECT & MISSING CHILDREN

According to the Department of Children and Families (DCF), school staff continues to remain the primary reporters of potential situations of child abuse and neglect; generally making up almost 20% of reports. Because this has been consistent over the years, the school community has been identified as primary partners in the prevention/intervention of potential child abuse and neglect situations.

Currently, N.J.S.A. 18A: 36-25 requires that each district board of education develop policies for the early detection of missing and abused children which must provide for the notification to the appropriate law enforcement and child welfare authorities when a missing or abused child situation is suspected.  N.J.A.C. 6A:16-11.1 establishes regulations for fulfilling this statutory requirement that reflect the notification, reporting and cooperation of schools in these situations.

To help school district employees, volunteers and interns meet the training requirements of N.J.A.C. 6A:16-11.1(8)i, the Department of Education, in collaboration with the Department of Children and Families, has developed training modules that provide local school districts with comprehensive reference materials to assist in training school personnel, volunteers and interns about the requirement to report potential abuse and neglect child situations.

Training Module

Regulations

RESOURCES/LINKS

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General Information and Referral

Hotlines

  • If you are deaf or hard of hearing, please call 877-294-4356 TTY to access any hotline. Voice callers use 7-1-1 NJ Relay.

  • Child Abuse Hotline (State Central Registry)
    877-NJ Abuse (652-2873)

  • Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P) formerly DYFS 1-855-INFO-DCF (1-855-463-6323) This hotline provides easy access and a timely response to questions, concerns, disputes and recommendations regarding services provided by DCP&P or by an agency with a license or contract from DCP&P.

  • Family Helpline (Parents Anonymous)
    800-THE-KIDS (843-5437)
    Call the Family Helpline and work through your frustrations before a crisis occurs.

  • Safe Haven Infant Protection Hotline
    877-839-2339
    This is a toll free hotline for distressed parents who wish to give up an unwanted infant anonymously, with no fear of arrest or prosecution. While information will be requested, no names or records are required.

  • Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline
    800-572-SAFE (7233)

Childcare Assistance

Disability Services

Financial Support and Insurance Services

Energy Assistance

Housing Services

Legal Services

Work and Employment Programs and Services