NH Statutes require that any person who has reason to suspect the abuse or neglect of a child under the age of 18 must make a report immediately to the Division for Children, Youth and Families (DCYF).  Proof of abuse or neglect is not required before reporting.

If you have reason to suspect that a child has been abused or neglected, contact DCYF at 1-800-894-5533 or (603) 271-6556, Monday through Friday during the hours of 8:00am - 4:30pm.   On weekends, holidays or after 4:30pm weekdays, call your local police department if the concerns about child abuse and neglect are immediate.

The Child Abuse and Neglect Report Line staff forward your report to a DHHS District Office for assessment by a Child Protective Service Worker (CPSW).  The CPSW will meet with the family and interview all household members.  The focus of the interview concerns the safety of the child or children, the strengths and resources of the family, and the needs of the family.  Once the assessment is completed, a determination of child abuse or neglect is made. 

The CPSW may refer families to community-based services or may authorize needed DCYF services.  A decision will be made to open a case, close the assessment or close the assessment with referrals to services in the community. 

 The Case Plan is a written document that includes:

• A summary of the family's current circumstances;
• Clear expectations about changes that must be made;
• The DCYF services to be provided to the family;
• Other resources necessary to reduce the risk of further abuse or neglect;
• A visitation plan if a child is placed outside the home; and
• The time frames in which the changes need to be made.

It is important for each family to know that if the expected changes are not made within the time frames stated in a Case Plan, NH Statutes and federal laws require DCYF to implement a concurrent plan that will ensure the safety and well-being of the child in a permanent home.