CHILD ABUSE LAWS-CONNECTICUT

The material provided on the 211 eLibrary is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal advice.

CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILES:

In Connecticut the State Department of Children and Families (DCF) is responsible for investigating and enforcing our state's child protection laws as defined in CGS §46b-120.

DEFINITIONS OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT:

To read DCF's" Operational Definitions of Child Abuse and Neglect," please go to: Department of Children and Familes Policy Manual section 34-2-7. (http://www.dir.ct.gov/dcf/Policy/invest34/34-2-7.htm)

REPORTING ABUSE AND/OR NEGLECT

Individuals who have reason to suspect that a child is being abused or neglected should make a report to the Department of Children and Families (DCF) at the toll-free, 24 hour Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline (1-800-842-2288). Certain social service, mental health, education, and other professionals are mandated reporters, and are therefore required by law to make a report, if in their professional capacity, they have reason to believe a child is being abused or neglected. If you are unsure if a situation is reportable under the law, feel free to call the DCF Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline. The social work staff is prepared to discuss the situation with you and help you determine the appropriate course of action.

TO FIND PROVIDERS IN CONNECTICUT'S COMMUNITY RESOURCES DATABASE:

• Search by service name: Child Abuse Hotlines

-------------