When a Child’s Life Is at Stake, Every Second Counts
Nebraska Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline
Should I Report Child Abuse or Neglect?
According to Nebraska Revised Statute 28-711, everyone in the state of Nebraska is considered a “mandated reporter.” That means if you have observed (or have reason to suspect) child abuse or neglect in the state of Nebraska, you are legally obligated to report it. It does not matter if you aren’t a physician, nurse, school employee, social worker, or other professional who regularly interacts with children; everyone is a mandated reporter.
You do not have to be certain that abuse or neglect has occurred in order to make a report with the appropriate authorities. Your contact with the authorities will be kept confidential; it will not be shared with your family. After making a report, you may be contacted by a Child and Family Services specialist as part of their investigation. In that event you may ask to remain anonymous.
How Do I Report Child Abuse or Neglect?
If you have reasonable cause to believe that a child is the victim of abuse or neglect, your immediate action could be life-saving. Please call the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at once: 1 (800) 652-1999.
Alternatively, you may contact local law enforcement. The South Sioux City Police Department’s non-emergency phone number is (402) 494-7555.
How Do I Identify Child Abuse or Neglect?
Child abuse and neglect can take many forms. In addition to physical abuse, you may notice indications that the child has been subjected to unreasonable methods of confinement, cruel punishment, emotional abuse, abandonment, domestic violence, physical or emotional neglect, human or labor trafficking, or sexual abuse or exploitation. You may also report when no child maltreatment appears to have occurred, but the parent or caregiver is unable to provide adequate care to their child.
