Tennessee Child Abuse Hotline FAQ

DCS Child Abuse Hotline Worker

The Tennessee Child Abuse Hotline accepts all reports of suspected child abuse and neglect for the state of Tennessee. The Tennessee Child Abuse Hotline is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

Everyone in Tennessee is a mandated reporter. Tennessee Code Annotated 37-1-403(i) (1) requires all persons to report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect. “Any person who has knowledge of or is called upon to render aid to any child who is suffering from or has sustained any wound, injury, disability, or physical or mental condition shall report such harm immediately if the harm is of such a nature as to reasonably indicate that it has been caused by brutality abuse, or neglect or that, based on available information, reasonably appears to have been caused by brutality, abuse, or neglect.”

Failure to report abuse is a violation of the law and a Class A misdemeanor, carrying a sentence of up to three months imprisonment, a fine or both. Those who report and “act in good faith” are immune from any civil or criminal charges, which may result. The reporter has the right to remain confidential and anonymous.

Tennessee laws protect persons who report abuse or neglect in good faith. Tennessee Code Annotated 37-1-410 provides immunity from civil and criminal liability. Reporters do have the right to remain anonymous.

What information is important when I make a report?  What questions will I be asked? 

  • Child(ren) names, ages, address, phone numbers, race, and school/daycare information
  • Parent(s), Legal Guardian(s), or caretaker(s) information
  • Other household members' information
  •  Nature of the harm or specific incident(s) that precipitated the report
  • Specific allegation(s), date(s) and descriptions(s) of the injuries or dangers
  • Identities of alleged perpetrator(s) and their relationship(s) to the victim
  • Witnesses to the incident(s) and how to reach those witnesses
  • Details of any physical evidence available
  • Perpetrator's current access to the child
  • Present condition of the child (alone, in need of medical attention, etc.)
  • The location of the child and directions to that location
  • Any statements from the child
  • Parent's or perpetrator's explanation of the alleged child victim's condition or the incident
  • Parent's current emotional, physical, or mental state, especially feelings about the child and reactions to the report
  • How the reporter came to know the information and the reporter's thoughts about the likelihood of further harm to the child

You do not have to be able to answer all the questions. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, you should report the information you know.

The reporter can elect to receive an email notification that contains a link to the Child Abuse Reporting and Tracking system. This system allows the reporter to follow the status of the referral throughout the life of the case. The tracking system gives the reporter limited non-identifying information about their referral. The Hotline case manager will ask if the reporter would like to receive an email notification; if so, the Hotline case manager will request an email address. If the reporter chooses not to provide an email address, they still receive a referral ID that can be entered and tracked through the link provided below. 

Report Abuse or Track a Report

The reporter can also choose to receive a notification letter letting them know whether or not their report has been assigned for investigation or assessment by the Tennessee Department of Children's Services. To receive this letter the Hotline case manager must gather your contact information, including your name, mailing address, and phone number.

All case managers at the Tennessee Child Abuse Hotline receive specialized training in child safety and risk assessment, as well as interviewing and call center protocols. All case managers hold, at minimum, a bachelor's degree.

Related Links