A safe childhood is an adult's responsibility.
Are you concerned that a child or teen is being abused or neglected? Has someone confided in you that they are experiencing abuse or neglect and is in need of help and support? If so, it's important to take action to address these concerns. CAN Council is here to provide resources, support, and guidance in these situations.
Do you think a child has been abused?
Make a report today. Call Michigan Children’s Protective Services (CPS) at 1-855-444-3911 – any time, day or night. Reports can be made anonymously.
What if child abuse is happening in front of me?
If you witness child abuse occurring, call 911 immediately, then call Michigan Children’s Protective Services (CPS) at 1-855-444-3911.
Are you a mandated reporter?
Michigan Child Protection Law requires certain professionals to report their suspicions of child abuse or neglect to Centralized Intake (CI) at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). These people are mandated reporters and have established relationships with children based on their profession.
Immediately report to Central Intake
The person in contact with the child must report and provide detailed information. Mandated reporters must immediately report any suspected child abuse or neglect to Central Intake by phone or online.
Submit a written report 72 hours later
Within 72 hours of the oral report, the reporting person must file a written report (DHS-3200), unless the report was made online.
Failure to file a report is a criminal liability
In a civil action, the mandated reporter may be held liable for all damages that any person suffers due to the mandated reporters' failure to file a report.
Attend a workshop to review these steps
Learn more about CAN Council's educational workshops for mandated reporters and register here.
Other resources
Check out these other official articles on how to recognize, report, and educate yourself on preventing child abuse and neglect.
-
Identifying & Reporting Child Abuse Workshops
-
Potential Signs of Child Abuse and Neglect – Michigan Department of Health & Human Services
-
How to React and Respond When a Child Discloses Abuse to You
-
Review Michigan's Child Protection Law
-
Explore More Educational Resources
Have a specific question?
Need help, have questions, want to donate or get involved? Reach out to us. We're here to help.