HOW TO REPORT

IF YOU SUSPECT ABUSE
CALL 970-242-1211
OR DIAL 911

If you suspect child abuse – or if a child tells you about abuse – making a report is very important. You cannot get into trouble or lose your job for making a report that turns out to be unfounded if you had good intentions when you made the report.

All reports remain anonymous.

Reports of known child abuse or neglect should be made immediately to the Mesa County Department of Human Services Child Protection Hotline at (970) 242-1211 or a local law enforcement agency at 911.

When you call to report a suspected case of child abuse, please provide as much of the following information as you can:

• The child’s name (if unknown, provide a description)
• The child’s age/DOB (if unknown, give an approximate age range)
• The child’s address (or where the child can be found)
• Names of the child’s parents or guardians (DOB and contact info if you have it)
• The alleged abuser’s name & DOB (if known)
• Alleged abuser’s relationship to the child
• Type of abuse suspected and your knowledge thereof
• Where the abuse is happening or has happened (if known)
• Other witnesses
• Any other pertinent information

Mandated reporters are people required to report suspected abuse.

Colorado Mandated Reporter Training

If you are an educator (private or public), first responder, healthcare provider, mental health professional, veterinarian, social worker, peace officer, firefighter, juvenile probation or parole officer, clergy member, coach/athletic personnel employed by a sports organization/program, or commercial film processor, you are a mandated reporter under Colorado State Law (Colorado Revised Statutes C.R.S. 19-3-304). Online training is available to you at no cost that provides information regarding your responsibilities as a mandated reporter.

Colorado Mandated Reporter Training

Reporting child abuse is an important step toward stopping it. Help make a positive change in an abused child’s story.