REPORTING CHILD ABUSE

Making a Report

The best way to help stop child abuse is to report it. All reports to the Utah Division of Child and Family Services remain strictly confidential. Any person making a report in good faith, is immune from any liability. Once a report is received, the case is assigned a priority depending on the seriousness of the abuse and the danger to the child. However, not all reported cases are investigated.

Utah Child Abuse Reporting Law Information

The law requires:

  • any person who has reason to believe a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect to immediately notify the nearest Utah Division of Child and Family Services or law enforcement agency.
  • any person who observes a child being subjected to conditions that would result in abuse or neglect to immediately notify the nearest Utah Division of Child and Family Services or law enforcement agency. Failure to obey this law constitutes a class "B" misdemeanor and is punishable by up to six months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. Utah Code Ann. 62A-4a-411 (1994)

If you suspect a child is being abused, please contact the Utah Division of Child and Family Services.

To make a report please call the Child Abuse Intake Hotline at 800-678-9399 for in-state calls, the Salt Lake Intake Office at 801-281-5151, or click here to be redirected to a listing of Division of Child and Family Service offices in Utah to find the Intake office phone number where the child lives to speak with an Intake worker.  Note that through the intake process, you will have the option to remain anonymous, but must be able to ensure that all necessary information is shared allowing for the case to be considered for an investigation. This will help ensure the safety of the family you are concerned about.

For more information, click on the links below to view our reporting guides for Clergy, Child Care Providers, Educators, and the General Public.