Governor Mikie Sherrill • Lt. Governor Dr. Dale G. Caldwell
Stay Connected

Defining Child Abuse and Neglect

Abuse
Abuse is the physical, sexual or emotional harm or risk of harm to a child under the age of 18 caused by a parent or other person who acts as a caregiver for the child.

Neglect
Neglect occurs when a parent or caregiver fails to provide proper supervision for a child or adequate food, clothing, shelter, education or medical care although financially able or assisted to do so.

How and When to Report Child Abuse / Neglect

In New Jersey, any person having reasonable cause to believe that a child has been subjected to abuse or acts of abuse should immediately report this information to the State Central Registry (SCR). If the child is in immediate danger, call 911 as well as 1-877 NJ ABUSE (1-877-652-2873). A concerned caller does not need proof to report an allegation of child abuse and can make the report anonymously.

Standardized Training Materials - Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect: What School Personnel Need to Do >

SCR screeners are trained caseworkers who know how to respond to reports of child abuse/neglect. Whenever possible, a caller should provide all of the following information:

  • Who: The child and parent/caregiver’s name, age and address and the name of the alleged perpetrator and that person’s relationship to the child.
  • What: Type and frequency of alleged abuse/neglect, current or previous injuries to the child and what caused you to become concerned.
  • When: When the alleged abuse/neglect occurred and when you learned of it.
  • Where: Where the incident occurred, where the child is now and whether the alleged perpetrator has access to the child.
  • How: How urgent the need is for intervention and whether there is a likelihood of imminent danger for the child.

Any person who, in good faith, makes a report of child abuse or neglect or testifies in a child abuse hearing resulting from such a report is immune from any criminal or civil liability as a result of such action. Calls can be placed to the hotline anonymously.

Any person who knowingly fails to report suspected abuse or neglect according to the law or to comply with the provisions of the law is a disorderly person.

When a report indicates that a child may be at risk, an investigator from the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (formerly Youth and Family Services) will promptly investigate the allegations of child abuse and neglect within 24 hours of receipt of the report.

Indicators of Child Abuse / Neglect

Physical Indicators Behavioral Indicators

Unexplained bruises and welts:

  • On face, lips, mouth
  • On torso, back, buttocks, thighs
  • In various stages of healing
  • Cluster, forming regular patterns
  • Reflecting shape of article used to inflict (electric cord, belt buckle)
  • On several different surface areas
  • Regularly appear after absence, weekend or vacation


Unexplained burns:
Cigar, cigarette burns, especially on soles, palms, back or buttocks
Immersion burns (sock-like, glove-like doughnut shaped on buttocks or genitalia)
Patterned like electric burner, iron, etc.
Rope burns on arms, legs, neck or torso
Unexplained fractures:
To skull, nose, facial structure
In various stages of healing
Multiple or spiral fractures
Unexplained laceration or abrasions:
To mouth, lips, gums, eyes
To external genitalia

Wary of adult contacts

Apprehensive when other children cry

Behavioral extremes:

Aggressiveness

Withdrawal

Frightened of parents

Afraid to go home

Reports injury by parents