Report Child Abuse or Neglect

Every year, more than three million children are hurt or not taken care of properly. Sadly, about four children die each day because of this. Helping stop child abuse and telling someone when it happens is very important to keep kids safe. In Cuyahoga County, almost 40,000 reports about child abuse or neglect are made every year.

For a complete and accurate report, please review the types and signs of abuse BEFORE proceeding to the reporting methods at the bottom of this page.

What is Child Abuse?

Child abuse means hurting a child in different ways. There are different kinds of abuse:

ABUSE	NEGLECT	OTHER SIGNS OF MALTREATMENT
Physical Abuse: Someone hurts a child’s body on purpose.	Neglect: Not taking care of a child’s basic needs like food, clothes, shelter, or school.	Drug/Alcohol Abuse: Abusing legal/illegal drugs that interferes with parenting abilities.
Bruises or marks Burns from cigarettes, hot water, or other objects Non accidental broken bones Bald spots from pulling hair Bite marks Wearing clothes to hide injuries Being scared of certain people Acting very shy, angry, or like a younger kid Giving stories that don’t make sense Not wanting to go home	Acting sad or angry Wanting attention from anyone, even strangers Poor attendance or grades going down in school Having lice, bug bites like fleas or bedbugs Not being clean, bad odor Not being fed Moving often	Caretaker taking drugs/alcohol and neglecting a child’s basic needs Access to drugs in the child’s environment Caretaker refuses treatment for a child abusing drugs or alcohol. Caretaker and child uses drugs together Prescription drugs given to a child without approval of a doctor Providing non prescribed medications to a child Children being exposed to the making and/or selling of drugs in the home Child born to a mother who was using drugs during pregnancy Children who ingest drugs (THC gummies or other drugs/medications)
Emotional Abuse: Hurting a child’s feelings or mind over a long time.	Medical Neglect: Not taking care of a child’s medical needs.	Domestic Violence: Someone hit, injured, or tried to cause harm to another in the household.
Suddenly gaining or losing a lot of weight Throwing up often Getting nervous or having rashes or twitches Having trouble making friends Doing habits like biting, rocking, or banging their head Child harming themselves or threatens to hurt themselves Feeling depressed or crying often	Not going to the doctor when they are sick Untreated infections or injuries Not seeking help during mental health crisis Not following through with medical recommendations Not following through with dental or vision concerns	The child witnessed a physical fight in the home The child received an injury as a result of a physical fight A weapon was involved that could have or did cause serious harm Nightmares and bedwetting Disruption of normal routine Child reports fear due to fighting Child showing violent behaviors towards others and/or animals
Sexual Abuse: Sexual things to a child who is too young or too small to say yes or no.		Sex Trafficking: Making the child do sexual things in exchange for money, food, a place to stay, or drugs.
Sexually transmitted diseases (infections) Bruises or bleeding near private parts Bloody underwear Wetting the bed or acting scared at night Hurting animals or other kids Knowing things about sex that kids shouldn’t know Poor hygiene		The child is being forced or told to take part in pictures or videos that show private parts or sexual acts, and someone is getting something in return

Reporting Methods

Online: File a report online now
Call: 24-hour Child Abuse Hotline at (216) 696-KIDS (5437)
Email: Protecting-Cuyahoga-Kids@jfs.ohio.gov
In-person: Referrals can be made at the Jane Edna Hunter Building, 3955 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115