Reporting Abuse

According to Tennessee law, ALL adults must report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect. This includes doctors, police, teachers, parents, mental health professionals, child care providers, dentists, family members and friends.

The Tennessee Department of Children's Services is mandated by law to investigate reports of suspected child abuse and neglect. If you live in Tennessee, immediately report your suspicions by calling the Tennessee Child Abuse Hotline at 1.877.237.0004. Someone is available 24/7.

Following are numbers to call if the suspected abuse or neglect is happening in other states outside of Tennessee:

Desoto County, Mississippi: 1.662.429.1480
Mississippi (other than Desoto): 1.800.222.8000
Arkansas: 1.800.482.5964
For all other states, call: 1.800.422.4453

When you call, it will be helpful if you can provide as much of the following information as possible:

        Name, age and address of the child
        Name and address of the parent(s) or guardian(s)
        Nature of abuse
        Identity of offender

If you believe that the child is in immediate danger, you should call your local police or sheriff’s office. To report to law enforcement:

Bartlett, TN: 901.385.5555
Collierville, TN: 901.583.3207
Germantown, TN: 901.754.7222
Memphis, TN: 901.528.2222
Millington, TN: 901.872.3333
Shelby County, TN: 901.379.7620

Click here for more info on the Tennessee law which requires all adults to report suspected child abuse. To learn more about the indicators of child abuse and neglect, click here.