Resources for Caregivers of Children
If you are the parent or caregiver of a child under the age of 13, and you know or suspect that your child has been sexually abused, you are required by District law to do any of the following to begin the process of receiving support and creating safety for your child.
Under District law, anyone reporting abuse in good faith is immune from civil or criminal liability even if the suspicion turns out to be unfounded. You may also report anonymously.
Whom to Contact: 24/7 Options
Emergency / Police
Dial 911 if the child is in immediate danger, you believe a crime is in progress, or you believe there is ongoing abuse.
DC Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) Child Abuse Hotline
Call 202- 671-SAFE (202-671‑7233). The Hotline is staffed 24/7 to take and triage reports. You can report any sexual abuse you become aware of, no matter when it happened, or whether you suspect it is ongoing, to CFSA’s Child Abuse Hotline.
Children’s National Hospital’s Child and Adolescent Protection Center
Bring your child to the Children’s National Hospital’s Emergency Department if the abuse occurred within the last four days or make an appointment for your child by calling 202-476‑4100.
What to Report / Share
When reporting, include as much of the following as possible:
- Child’s name, age, and current location
- Parent/guardian’s names and contact information
- Description of suspected sexual acts or exposure to sexual content
- Any injuries or emotional distress observed
- When you became aware and why you suspect abuse
- Identity of the alleged perpetrator (if known)
After the Report
- CFSA or MPD will evaluate the risk to your child of ongoing abuse, possibly launching a larger investigation.
- CFSA or MPD may also schedule your child for a forensic interview – a conversation with a specially trained, trauma-informed interviewer – so your child must only describe what happened once.
- The child/adolescent forensic interview is observed by individuals involved in the investigation process, but your child will not see them during the interview.
- Forensic medical care (SANE exams), ongoing medical care, and mental health services are available at the Child & Adolescent Protection Center at Children’s National Hospital.
- Victim-survivor support such as counseling and youth/client advocacy is also available via Safe Shores-The DC Children’s Advocacy Center. Safe Shores coordinates the work of medical and mental health providers, social services professionals, victim advocates, law enforcement, and prosecution officials to reduce trauma and promote healing for child victims of abuse. You can view their website: www.safeshores.org or call 202-645-3200 to speak with someone about their services.
Resources
Youth
Children’s National Hospital’s Emergency Department
The Children's National Hospital's Emergency Department offers various services to children including specialty care in inpatient and outpatient settings, 24/7 pediatric emergency care, and more.
Youth
DC Children’s Law Center
DC Children’s Law Center provides free legal services to low-income parents and caregivers in the following areas: access to healthcare issues for children, Adult guardianship, Child disability-related issues such as
Adult
Youth
Metropolitan Police Department Victim Services
The Victim Services Branch (VSB) provides essential support to crime victims in the District of Columbia. Victim Specialists serve as liaisons between victims and the police, guiding individuals through the
Youth
Safe Shores: The DC Children’s Advocacy Center
Safe Shores supports children in DC who have experienced abuse by providing survivor-centered services in a safe, child-friendly environment. As the DC Chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America, Safe Shores
