Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
You can talk with a counselor about child abuse — whether it is happening to you, to a child you know, or happened to you long ago.
Good to know
It is open all day and night. You can call, text, or chat if you are not sure what to do next.
Before you call
They may ask
- in chat and text, your age, gender and region: the page says this helps them understand your needs, not identify you, and that they never ask for names, addresses or personal details about you or anyone else
They can
- talk with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by phone on (800) 422-4453, by text (text GO to 800.422.4453) or by live chat, if you are worried about or affected by child abuse
- listen without judgement: the page calls the hotline a safe space for anyone concerned about or affected by child abuse
- show you how to find your state's child abuse reporting contacts, if you would rather talk to someone first
They cannot
- take a report: the page says it is not a reporting line and is not connected to 911 or emergency services
- keep everything private in every case: if you give identifying information and a location where a child under 18 is being harmed, or say you intend to act on suicidal thoughts, or as the law requires, they may have to share it with the authorities
- give legal or medical advice
In the emergency guides: My child is being bullied at school → · My child has been suspended or excluded from school → · I've been told to leave home →
- Phone
- 1-800-422-4453
- Text
- Text GO to 1-800-422-4453
- Website
- https://childhelphotline.org
- Hours
- 24/7
- Coverage
- Nationwide (U.S.)
- Languages
- English, Spanish
- Best for
- Teens & youth, Parents, Abuse survivors
- Last checked
- September 6, 2026
See something out of date or wrong? Tell us by email.
Shared by FindAngel.org — free, always · https://findangel.org/resources/childhelp/