If you suspect or have reason to believe that a child is being abused or neglected it is extremely important that you report it to the proper authorities or the Child Abuse Hotline. You can also call the local Children's Division Office.
Child Abuse Hotline
Phone: 1-800-392-3738 (This number will be answered 24 hours a day)
Calls can remain anonymous
If you are unsure about the abuse or neglect, you can call the local Childrens Division Office (Stone County) at (417)357-6118. They can advise you whether or not to call the hot-line and possibly offer you advise to help the family.
Please have ready (if available):
- The name of child
- The name of child's parents
- The name of alleged abuser
- Where the child can be located
You will be asked:
*Is the child in a life-threatening situation now?
*How do you know about the abuse/neglect?
*Were there other witnesses? And may we contact them?