{ "generated": "2026-09-28T17:28:54.259Z", "categories": [ { "key": "professional-board", "label": "The therapist's licensing board", "blurb": "Holds the individual clinician's licence and can suspend or revoke it." }, { "key": "facility-licensing", "label": "The agency that licenses the program", "blurb": "Inspects the facility itself and can cite, fine, suspend or close it." }, { "key": "legal", "label": "Law enforcement and legal channels", "blurb": "Child protection, the Attorney General, and the criminal side." }, { "key": "oversight", "label": "Oversight and advocacy", "blurb": "Bodies with a right to investigate, and advocates who can act for you." } ], "professions": [ "Psychologist", "Psychiatrist", "Social worker", "Professional counselor", "Marriage and family therapist", "Substance use counselor", "Nurse", "Behavior analyst", "Multiple professions" ], "national": { "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "Bodies that take a report wherever the program is. None of these replaces the state channels: the state licensing board and the state licensor are the ones that can take somebody's licence away. For crisis lines, see the Resources page - this list is about reporting, not about getting through tonight.", "deadlines": { "text": "Time limits for abuse of a child often run from the survivor's 18th birthday, or from when they came to understand what happened, rather than from the day the program closed. Many states have lengthened them, removed them for child sexual abuse, or reopened claims that had already expired. A criminal charge, a lawsuit and a licence complaint each have their own time limit, so one having passed does not necessarily mean the others have.", "link_label": "CHILD USA's statute of limitations tracker, updated as each state changes its law", "url": "https://childusa.org/sol/", "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "sources": [ "https://childusa.org/sol/", "https://childusa.org/law/" ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "us-childhelp", "category": "legal", "name": "Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline", "what_it_can_do": "Talks through what happened, tells you which state agency takes the report, and stays on the line while you work out what to say. Counselors are available 24/7.", "what_it_cannot_do": "It is not itself an investigating agency. It routes you; it does not open a case.", "who_to_report": "Anyone unsure where a report about a child should go, including a survivor who is now an adult and a parent who has just got their child out.", "how": "Call, text GO to the same number, or use the live chat on the site.", "info_url": "https://childhelphotline.org/", "phone": "1-800-422-4453", "phone_note": "24 hours, every day. Text GO to 800-422-4453, or chat from the website.", "anonymous": "allowed", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://childhelphotline.org/", "https://www.childwelfare.gov/state-child-abuse-and-neglect-reporting-numbers" ] }, { "id": "us-state-cps-directory", "category": "legal", "name": "State child abuse and neglect reporting numbers (Child Welfare Information Gateway)", "what_it_can_do": "The federal government's directory of every state's child protection intake line, with each state's online reporting option where one exists.", "who_to_report": "A child currently at the program. Report to the state the program sits in, not the state the family lives in - the agency with jurisdiction is the one where the child is.", "how": "Find the state on the directory page, then call that state's intake line.", "complaint_url": "https://www.childwelfare.gov/state-child-abuse-and-neglect-reporting-numbers", "info_url": "https://www.childwelfare.gov/how-report-child-abuse-and-neglect/", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "note": "Most states take an anonymous report but will act on more of it if they can call you back.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.childwelfare.gov/state-child-abuse-and-neglect-reporting-numbers" ] }, { "id": "us-doj-civil-rights", "category": "legal", "name": "U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division", "what_it_can_do": "Takes reports of civil rights violations, including conditions in institutions where people are held. Its Special Litigation Section is the part that investigates residential facilities under CRIPA and can sue an institution or a state over a pattern of abuse.", "what_it_cannot_do": "It does not act for one person against one program. It looks for patterns, and it decides on its own whether to open anything.", "who_to_report": "A facility where the abuse is systemic rather than one member of staff - restraint practice, seclusion, denial of medical care, conditions across a whole program.", "how": "Submit the online report form. Paper forms can be downloaded and mailed.", "complaint_url": "https://civilrights.justice.gov/report/", "info_url": "https://civilrights.justice.gov/", "phone": "1-855-856-1247", "phone_note": "Toll free. Direct line 202-514-3847, TTY 711.", "mail": "U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, 950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20530-0001", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://civilrights.justice.gov/" ] }, { "id": "us-hhs-oig", "category": "legal", "name": "U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General hotline", "what_it_can_do": "Investigates fraud and abuse in federally funded health programs. Where a program bills Medicaid, this is often the lever that moves first, because billing for treatment that was not given is easier to prove than the treatment being abusive.", "what_it_cannot_do": "It will not get you a refund or a remedy in your own case, and says so plainly. Volume means most complaints get no reply.", "who_to_report": "A program billing Medicaid or another federal program - for therapy hours nobody delivered, for staff who were not qualified, for a level of care the child was not getting.", "how": "Submit through the online tips portal. It only takes unclassified complaints online.", "complaint_url": "https://tips.oig.hhs.gov/", "info_url": "https://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud/", "phone": "1-800-447-8477", "phone_note": "1-800-HHS-TIPS.", "anonymous": "allowed", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud/" ] }, { "id": "us-protection-and-advocacy", "category": "oversight", "name": "Your state's Protection and Advocacy agency", "what_it_can_do": "Every state has one, funded by Congress. Under the DD Act and PAIMI they have legal authority to investigate abuse and neglect wherever a person with a disability receives services, and a right of access to the place itself - they can go in. Several of the hardest reports on programs in this industry came from P&A investigations.", "who_to_report": "A program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis, which covers most placements in this industry. You do not need a formal diagnosis to call and ask.", "how": "Find your state's agency in the NDRN directory and contact its intake line. Report to the state the program is in.", "complaint_url": "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/", "info_url": "https://acl.gov/programs/aging-and-disability-networks/state-protection-advocacy-systems", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/", "https://acl.gov/programs/aging-and-disability-networks/state-protection-advocacy-systems" ] }, { "id": "us-joint-commission", "category": "oversight", "name": "The Joint Commission, Office of Quality and Patient Safety", "what_it_can_do": "Accredits behavioral health organisations and can review, cite, or ultimately withdraw accreditation. Losing accreditation can cost a program its insurance contracts and its Medicaid participation, which is sometimes the fastest real consequence available.", "what_it_cannot_do": "It only has standing over organisations it accredits, and it does not discipline an individual clinician. Check the program is accredited first.", "who_to_report": "A Joint Commission accredited facility. Its Find Accredited Organizations search will tell you whether a program is one.", "how": "Use the online submission form, which it prefers, or call. It does not take walk-ins, faxes or email, and it shreds medical records, photos and invoices on arrival.", "complaint_url": "https://apps.jointcommission.org/QMSInternet/IncidentEntry.aspx", "info_url": "https://www.jointcommission.org/en-us/contact-us/report-a-patient-safety-event", "phone": "1-800-994-6610", "mail": "Office of Quality and Patient Safety, The Joint Commission, One Renaissance Boulevard, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181", "anonymous": "allowed", "note": "You can file anonymously, but it can only tell you what it did with the complaint if you give your name.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.jointcommission.org/en-us/contact-us/report-a-patient-safety-event" ] }, { "id": "us-carf", "category": "oversight", "name": "CARF International", "what_it_can_do": "The other accreditor much of this industry uses. Takes concerns about an accredited provider and can act on its accreditation.", "what_it_cannot_do": "Like any accreditor it has no power over an unaccredited program, and none over an individual therapist's licence.", "who_to_report": "A CARF-accredited program. CARF asks you to try the provider's own grievance process first, and says to go to your state P&A agency or the state licensor if that does not resolve it.", "how": "Use the feedback form on the public page, or call the dedicated line.", "complaint_url": "https://carf.org/accreditation/public/", "phone": "1-866-510-2273", "phone_note": "Toll free, 866-510-CARF.", "mail": "CARF International, 6951 East Southpoint Road, Tucson, AZ 85756", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://carf.org/accreditation/public/" ] } ] }, "states": [ { "state": "Alabama", "abbr": "AL", "slug": "alabama", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "Alabama reports child abuse to the county Department of Human Resources or to local law enforcement rather than to a single state hotline, and the county has seven calendar days to begin investigating - immediately where there is immediate danger to health or safety. Complaints about a facility go somewhere else again, to the Child Care Services Division intake line.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "Assault, battery and false imprisonment: six years. Negligence and other personal-injury claims: two years. A claim that holds an employer (such as a program) responsible for what its staff did, under respondeat superior, must be brought within two years.", "citation": "Ala. Code § 6-2-34(1); § 6-2-38(l), (n)", "source_url": "https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/code-of-alabama?section=6-2-34" }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "In Alabama you are a minor until 19. Someone hurt before 19 has until three years after their 19th birthday (age 22), or less if the normal deadline is shorter: for a two-year claim like negligence, until age 21. No claim can be extended more than 20 years past the injury.", "citation": "Ala. Code § 6-2-8(a)", "source_url": "https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/code-of-alabama?section=6-2-8" }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "Claims against the State itself go to the State Board of Adjustment within one year (the State cannot be sued in court); tort claims against a city must be filed with the city clerk within six months; claims against a county must be presented within 12 months (a minor has 12 months after turning 19).", "citation": "Ala. Code § 41-9-65(a); § 11-47-23; § 11-12-8", "source_url": "https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/code-of-alabama?section=41-9-65", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "Willful abuse, cruel beating or torture of a child under 18 is a felony. If it involved violence, attempted violence, a threat of violence or serious physical injury, there is no time limit to prosecute. Otherwise, five years from the offense.", "citation": "Ala. Code § 15-3-5(a)(2)-(3); § 26-15-3; § 15-3-1", "source_url": "https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/code-of-alabama?section=15-3-5", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "Felony assault involves violence, so there is no time limit to prosecute it. Other felonies: five years. Misdemeanor assault: 12 months.", "citation": "Ala. Code § 15-3-5(a)(2); § 15-3-1; § 15-3-2", "source_url": "https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/code-of-alabama?section=15-3-5" } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "al-counseling-board", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Professional counselor", "name": "Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses and certifies counselors in private practice in Alabama and disciplines unethical practice by licensed professional counselors.", "who_to_report": "A licensed professional counselor in Alabama. The Board publishes a licensee search so you can confirm the licence first.", "how": "Use the Board's fillable complaint form, which it publishes alongside separate written instructions for filling it in.", "complaint_url": "https://abec.alabama.gov/complaints/", "info_url": "https://abec.alabama.gov/licensees/licensee-search/", "phone": "334-569-8640", "mail": "Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling, 400 South Union Street, Suite 245, Montgomery, AL 36104", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://abec.alabama.gov/complaints/" ] }, { "id": "al-psychology-board", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Psychologist", "name": "Alabama Board of Examiners in Psychology", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses and disciplines psychologists in Alabama.", "who_to_report": "A licensed psychologist.", "how": "Use the Board's complaints page.", "complaint_url": "https://psychology.alabama.gov/consumers/complaints/", "info_url": "https://psychology.alabama.gov/", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://psychology.alabama.gov/consumers/complaints/" ] }, { "id": "al-child-care-services-complaints", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "Alabama DHR, Child Care Services Division", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses child care and residential providers against Alabama's Child Care Minimum Standards and investigates complaints that a provider has breached them.", "who_to_report": "A licensed provider - conditions, staffing, supervision, anything that breaches the minimum standards.", "how": "Call the intake line and ask for Child Care Intake, or email the licensing intake address.", "complaint_url": "https://dhr.alabama.gov/faq/how-do-i-file-a-complaint-against-a-provider/", "phone": "1-866-528-1694", "phone_note": "Ask for Child Care Intake.", "email": "childcarelicensingintake@dhr.alabama.gov", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dhr.alabama.gov/faq/how-do-i-file-a-complaint-against-a-provider/" ] }, { "id": "al-child-abuse-reporting", "category": "legal", "name": "Alabama child abuse and neglect reporting", "what_it_can_do": "Starts a county Department of Human Resources or law enforcement investigation. The county or the law enforcement authority must investigate within seven calendar days of the report, and immediately where there is immediate danger to a child's health or safety.", "who_to_report": "A child at an Alabama program. Report to the county DHR office where the program is, or to local law enforcement there.", "how": "Call the county DHR office, local law enforcement, or the state line.", "complaint_url": "https://dhr.alabama.gov/child-protective-services/child-abuse-neglect-reporting/", "info_url": "https://dhr.alabama.gov/child-protective-services/", "phone": "334-242-9500", "phone_note": "For reporting suspected child abuse anywhere in Alabama.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dhr.alabama.gov/child-protective-services/child-abuse-neglect-reporting/", "https://dhr.alabama.gov/faqs-dhr/" ] }, { "id": "al-disabilities-advocacy-program", "category": "oversight", "name": "Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (ADAP)", "what_it_can_do": "Alabama's Protection and Advocacy agency, with federal authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities, a right of access to them, and free legal advocacy. It publishes its own guide to abuse and neglect of people with disabilities.", "who_to_report": "An Alabama program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line.", "complaint_url": "https://sites.ua.edu/adap/", "info_url": "https://sites.ua.edu/adap/", "phone": "1-800-826-1675", "phone_note": "Main line 205-348-4928; TTD 205-348-9484.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://sites.ua.edu/adap/", "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=alabama" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/alabama/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "The SOL for CSA, trafficking, and CSAM claims against all defendants is age 25 when the victim is under age 19." ], "criminal": [ "CSA: There is no SOL for felony and misdemeanor sex offenses. There is an SOL of five years from the offense for other felonies and one year for misdemeanors.", "Trafficking: There is no SOL for trafficking offenses against victims under age 16, and for victims ages 16 and 17 the SOL is age twenty-four.", "CSAM: There is no SOL for CSAM offenses against victims under age 16, and for victims ages 16 and 17 the SOL is age twenty-four." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "Alaska", "abbr": "AK", "slug": "alaska", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "Alaska takes abuse reports by phone, email or fax, and says its hotline staff will answer questions about mandatory reporting and take all the required information over the phone - which is worth knowing if you are unsure whether what you have is enough to report. All the mental health licensing boards sit under one division, with a single investigations unit behind them.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "Two years from when the injury happened (when the claim 'accrued'). The same two years covers assault, battery, false imprisonment and negligence/personal injury.", "citation": "Alaska Stat. § 09.10.070(a)", "source_url": "https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes.asp?media=print&secStart=09.10.070&secEnd=09.10.070" }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "The clock does not run while the injured person is under 18, but the extension cannot go more than two years past the 18th birthday. In practice, someone hurt as a minor has until age 20.", "citation": "Alaska Stat. § 09.10.140(a)", "source_url": "https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes.asp?media=print&secStart=09.10.140&secEnd=09.10.140" }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "No advance notice of claim is required to sue the State of Alaska in tort; the normal two-year deadline applies. But the State cannot be sued for claims arising out of assault, battery or false imprisonment (only negligence-type claims), so a survivor may need to sue the individual staff or a private contractor instead.", "citation": "Alaska Stat. § 09.50.250; § 09.65.070 (municipalities)", "source_url": "https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes.asp?media=print&secStart=09.50.250&secEnd=09.50.250", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "Alaska has no separate felony 'physical child abuse' crime; physical abuse of a child is charged as assault (including third-degree assault for injuring a child under 12, or 12-15). Felony assault must be charged within 10 years of the offense. The clock is not paused until the child turns 18 for these non-sexual crimes.", "citation": "Alaska Stat. § 12.10.010(b)(1); § 11.41.220(a)(1)(C), (a)(3)", "source_url": "https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes.asp?media=print&secStart=12.10.010&secEnd=12.10.010", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "Felony assault (first, second or third degree) must be charged within 10 years of the offense. Misdemeanor assault and other offenses: five years.", "citation": "Alaska Stat. § 12.10.010(b)", "source_url": "https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes.asp?media=print&secStart=12.10.010&secEnd=12.10.010" } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "ak-professional-licensing-boards", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing", "what_it_can_do": "Staffs and investigates for the Board of Professional Counselors, the Board of Psychologist and Psychological Associate Examiners and the Board of Social Work Examiners, and the boards discipline the licence.", "who_to_report": "A licensed professional counselor, psychologist, psychological associate or social worker in Alaska.", "how": "File the complaint with the Division, which handles investigations for all three boards.", "complaint_url": "https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/professionallicensing", "info_url": "https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/", "phone": "907-269-8160", "phone_note": "Investigations fax 907-269-8195.", "mail": "Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing, 550 W 7th Ave, Ste 1500, Anchorage, AK 99501-3567", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/professionallicensing", "https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/" ] }, { "id": "ak-ocs-report-child-abuse", "category": "legal", "name": "Alaska Office of Children's Services reporting hotline", "what_it_can_do": "The statutory report line for child abuse and neglect in Alaska.", "who_to_report": "A child at an Alaska program.", "how": "Call, email or fax. Staff will answer questions about mandatory reporting and take everything they need over the phone.", "complaint_url": "https://dfcs.alaska.gov/office-of-childrens-services/report-child-abuse/", "info_url": "https://dfcs.alaska.gov/reporting-hub/", "phone": "1-800-478-4444", "phone_note": "Fax 907-269-3939.", "email": "ReportChildAbuse@alaska.gov", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "note": "If the problem is the Office of Children's Services itself rather than a program, there is a separate formal complaint process for that.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dfcs.alaska.gov/office-of-childrens-services/report-child-abuse/", "https://dfcs.alaska.gov/reporting-hub/" ] }, { "id": "ak-residential-licensing", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "Alaska residential child care facility licensing", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses Alaska's residential child care facilities against the state licensing regulations and investigates complaints that a facility has breached them.", "who_to_report": "A licensed Alaska residential child care facility.", "how": "Start from the Department's reporting hub, which sets out which body takes which kind of concern.", "info_url": "https://dfcs.alaska.gov/reporting-hub/", "phone": "1-800-478-4444", "phone_note": "The Office of Children's Services line also takes concerns about licensed facilities.", "anonymous": "allowed", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dfcs.alaska.gov/reporting-hub/" ] }, { "id": "ak-disability-law-center-alaska", "category": "oversight", "name": "Disability Law Center of Alaska", "what_it_can_do": "Alaska's Protection and Advocacy agency, with federal authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities, a right of access to them, and free legal advocacy.", "who_to_report": "An Alaska program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line.", "info_url": "https://www.dlcak.org/", "phone": "1-800-478-1234", "phone_note": "Main line 907-565-1002 voice/TDD.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=alaska" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/alaska/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "CSA: There is no civil SOL for sexual abuse or assault claims against perpetrators. The SOL is age 21 or 3 years from discovery for some other CSA claims against perpetrators, and the SOL is age 20 or 2 years from discovery for the remaining CSA claims against all defendants.", "Trafficking: There is no SOL for trafficking claims against perpetrators.", "CSAM: There is no SOL for unlawful exploitation of a minor claims against perpetrators." ], "criminal": [ "CSA: There is no SOL for many CSA crimes. The SOL for remaining felonies and misdemeanors is 5 years from the offense.", "Trafficking: There is no SOL for felony sex trafficking violations when the victim is under age 20.", "CSAM: There is no SOL for unlawful exploitation of a minor or distribution of child pornography." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "Arizona", "abbr": "AZ", "slug": "arizona", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "Arizona splits the work three ways: the Board of Behavioral Health Examiners holds the therapist's licence, the Department of Health Services licenses the behavioral health residential facility, and the Department of Child Safety runs both the abuse hotline and its own Office of Licensing and Regulation for group homes. Which licensor applies depends on how the program is registered, so the DHS facility database is worth checking first.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "Two years from the injury for physical injuries, including assault, battery and negligence. False imprisonment (for example, being held against your will) has a shorter deadline: one year.", "citation": "Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 12-542(1); § 12-541(1)", "source_url": "https://www.azleg.gov/ars/12/00542.htm" }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "The clock does not run while the injured person is under 18. After turning 18 they get the full normal period: two years for injury claims (until age 20), one year for false imprisonment.", "citation": "Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 12-502", "source_url": "https://www.azleg.gov/ars/12/00502.htm" }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "Before suing a state or local government body, public school or public employee, you must file a written notice of claim, with a specific settlement amount, within 180 days; the lawsuit itself must be filed within one year. A minor may file the notice within 180 days after turning 18.", "citation": "Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 12-821; § 12-821.01(A), (B), (D)", "source_url": "https://www.azleg.gov/ars/12/00821-01.htm" }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "Felony child abuse must be charged within seven years after the state discovers (or reasonably should have discovered) the offense. There is no rule pausing it until the child turns 18, but the clock starts at discovery, not the act.", "citation": "Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-107(B)(1) (child abuse is § 13-3623)", "source_url": "https://www.azleg.gov/ars/13/00107.htm" }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "Aggravated assault and other class 2-6 felonies: seven years from when the state discovers the offense. Misdemeanor assault: one year.", "citation": "Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-107(B)", "source_url": "https://www.azleg.gov/ars/13/00107.htm" } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "az-behavioral-health-examiners", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses social workers, counselors, marriage and family therapists and substance abuse counselors, investigates complaints against them and disciplines those who breach the standards of practice or their profession's code of ethics.", "who_to_report": "Any of those four licence types. Psychologists are licensed separately by the Arizona Board of Psychologist Examiners, and physicians by the Arizona Medical Board.", "how": "File through the Board's online complaint portal, or post the complaint to the Phoenix address.", "complaint_url": "https://azbbhe.mi-licensing.com/complaint/create", "info_url": "https://bbhe.az.gov/", "phone": "602-542-1882", "email": "information@azbbhe.us", "mail": "Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners, 1740 W. Adams St., Suite 3600, Phoenix, AZ 85007", "anonymous": "unknown", "note": "The Board's own site sits behind a filter that refuses automated clients, so it may look unreachable to a link checker while loading normally in a browser.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://bbhe.az.gov/", "https://azdirect.az.gov/board-behavioral-health-examiners" ] }, { "id": "az-dhs-facility-licensing", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "Arizona Department of Health Services, Behavioral Health Facilities Licensing", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses and inspects behavioral health residential facilities, and investigates complaints about them. It publishes a licence history search and a map of every licensed facility, along with professional licence revocations.", "who_to_report": "The facility. Check the AZ Care Check licence history first - it shows what a program has already been cited for.", "how": "Use the online complaint form.", "complaint_url": "https://app3.azdhs.gov/PROD-AZHSComplaint-UI", "info_url": "https://www.azdhs.gov/licensing/bbhl-facilities/index.php", "anonymous": "allowed", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.azdhs.gov/licensing/index.php", "https://www.azdhs.gov/licensing/bbhl-facilities/index.php" ] }, { "id": "az-child-abuse-hotline", "category": "legal", "name": "Arizona Child Abuse Hotline (Department of Child Safety)", "what_it_can_do": "The statutory report line for child abuse and neglect. Reports are taken by a social work professional, and where the child is in a licensed facility the hotline also forwards the report to whichever body holds that licence.", "who_to_report": "A child at an Arizona program. Arizona law (ARS 13-3620.A) requires certain people who suspect non-accidental injury or neglect to report it to DCS or to law enforcement.", "how": "Call the statewide toll-free hotline, or report to a local law enforcement office. Have the child's details, where they are now, and what your concern is.", "info_url": "https://dcs.az.gov/report-child-abuse", "phone": "1-888-767-2445", "phone_note": "1-888-SOS-CHILD.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "note": "DCS finishes by marking a report substantiated or unsubstantiated. Unsubstantiated means the information gathered did not support a finding, not that nothing happened.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dcs.az.gov/report-child-abuse" ] }, { "id": "az-dcs-licensing-regulation", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "Arizona DCS Office of Licensing and Regulation", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses and regulates the group homes and child welfare agencies that DCS oversees, as distinct from the behavioral health facilities DHS licenses.", "who_to_report": "A group home or child welfare agency rather than a licensed behavioral health residential facility.", "how": "Contact the office through DCS. DCS also runs a separate ombudsman complaint form for disagreements with the department itself.", "info_url": "https://dcs.az.gov/services/olr", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dcs.az.gov/report-child-abuse" ] }, { "id": "az-disability-rights-arizona", "category": "oversight", "name": "Disability Rights Arizona", "what_it_can_do": "Arizona's Protection and Advocacy agency, with federal authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities, a right of access to them, and free legal advocacy.", "who_to_report": "An Arizona program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line.", "info_url": "https://www.disabilityrightsaz.org/", "phone": "1-800-927-2260", "phone_note": "Main line 520-327-9547.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=arizona" ] }, { "id": "az-ombudsman-citizens-aide", "category": "oversight", "name": "Arizona Ombudsman-Citizens' Aide", "what_it_can_do": "An independent office that investigates complaints about state agencies, including the Department of Child Safety. The route to take when the state body you reported to has not acted.", "what_it_cannot_do": "It looks at the agency's conduct, not the program's. It cannot licence, fine or prosecute anybody.", "who_to_report": "Somebody who has already reported to an Arizona agency and got nowhere.", "info_url": "https://www.azoca.gov/faqs/child-safety/", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.azoca.gov/faqs/child-safety/" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/arizona/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "CSA: The civil SOL for CSA claims against all defendants is age 30 with a common law discovery rule.", "Trafficking: There is no SOL for claims of sex trafficking against all defendants.", "CSAM: The SOL for CSAM claims is age 20." ], "criminal": [ "CSA: There is no SOL for many felony CSA crimes. The SOL for all other felonies is 7 years after the State discovers the offense and 1 year after the State’s discovery for misdemeanors.", "Trafficking: There is no SOL for child sex trafficking.", "CSAM: There is no SOL for sexual exploitation of a minor or commercial sexual exploitation of a minor." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "Arkansas", "abbr": "AR", "slug": "arkansas", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "Two things set Arkansas apart. Its child abuse hotline is run by the State Police Crimes Against Children Division rather than by the human services department, so a report there goes straight to law enforcement. And the Office of Long-Term Care - the sole licensing authority for Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities - now publishes its monitoring reports, complaint visit reports, corrective action plans and notices of adverse action online, so you can read a facility's record before you call.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "Assault, battery and false imprisonment: only one year from the injury. Negligence claims (for example, against a program for failing to protect you) are generally three years.", "citation": "Ark. Code Ann. § 16-56-104(2); § 16-56-105", "source_url": "https://law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/title-16/subtitle-5/chapter-56/subchapter-1/section-16-56-104/", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "Someone injured as a minor gets three years after reaching adulthood to sue, whatever the normal deadline (so even the one-year battery claim becomes three years after turning 18).", "citation": "Ark. Code Ann. § 16-56-116(a)", "source_url": "https://law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/title-16/subtitle-5/chapter-56/subchapter-1/section-16-56-116/", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "Claims against the State of Arkansas cannot go to court; they are filed with the State Claims Commission within the same deadline as a similar lawsuit. Counties, cities, school districts and other local bodies are immune from tort suits except up to their liability insurance.", "citation": "Ark. Code Ann. § 19-10-209; § 19-10-204; § 21-9-301", "source_url": "https://law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/title-19/chapter-10/subchapter-2/section-19-10-209/", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "Felony endangering the welfare of a minor and permitting abuse of a minor can be charged until the victim turns 28 if the crime was never reported to police or a prosecutor. First- and second-degree battery against a child can be charged within the normal felony period (usually three years) counted from the victim's 18th birthday, again if never reported.", "citation": "Ark. Code Ann. § 5-1-109(a)(2), (h)", "source_url": "https://law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/title-5/subtitle-1/chapter-1/section-5-1-109/" }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "Most felony assaults and batteries (Class B, C or D) must be charged within three years; Class Y or A felonies within six years. Misdemeanor assault or battery: one year. If the victim was a child and it was never reported, the period restarts at 18 (see child abuse).", "citation": "Ark. Code Ann. § 5-1-109(b)", "source_url": "https://law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/title-5/subtitle-1/chapter-1/section-5-1-109/" } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "ar-counseling-board", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy", "what_it_can_do": "Takes complaints against its licensees and applicants from any person, investigates them and disciplines licences.", "who_to_report": "A licensed professional counselor or marriage and family therapist in Arkansas.", "how": "Complaints must be in writing and on the Board's own complaint form, which is filed through its online portal.", "complaint_url": "https://abecmft.portalus.thentiacloud.net/webs/portal/register/", "info_url": "https://healthy.arkansas.gov/boards-commissions/boards/examiners-in-counseling-arkansas-state-board/", "phone": "501-683-5800", "mail": "Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling, Freeway Medical Center, 5800 W. 10th Street, Suite 405, Little Rock, AR 72204", "anonymous": "not-allowed", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://healthy.arkansas.gov/boards-commissions/boards/examiners-in-counseling-arkansas-state-board/" ] }, { "id": "ar-psychology-board", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Psychologist", "name": "Arkansas Psychology Board", "what_it_can_do": "Takes complaints about the practice of any of its licensees, from any concerned citizen or organisation, and disciplines licences.", "who_to_report": "A licensed psychologist in Arkansas.", "how": "The complaint must be in writing, and the document has to be signed and dated. It goes to the Board's Complaints Committee.", "complaint_url": "https://healthy.arkansas.gov/boards-commissions/boards/psychology-arkansas-board/complaints-ethical-violations/", "info_url": "https://psychologyboard.arkansas.gov/public/", "mail": "Arkansas Psychology Board, Complaints Committee, 101 East Capitol, Suite 415, Little Rock, AR 72201", "anonymous": "not-allowed", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://healthy.arkansas.gov/boards-commissions/boards/psychology-arkansas-board/complaints-ethical-violations/", "https://psychologyboard.arkansas.gov/public/" ] }, { "id": "ar-social-work-board", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Social worker", "name": "Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses and disciplines social workers in Arkansas.", "who_to_report": "A licensed social worker.", "how": "Contact the Board for its complaint form.", "phone": "501-372-5071", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://healthy.arkansas.gov/boards-commissions/boards/examiners-in-counseling-arkansas-state-board/" ] }, { "id": "ar-office-long-term-care", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "Arkansas Office of Long-Term Care (Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities)", "what_it_can_do": "The sole licensing authority for Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities in Arkansas. It licenses, surveys, regulates and investigates them, and takes enforcement action against failed facility practices.", "who_to_report": "A PRTF - the licensed psychiatric residential category most Arkansas programs in this industry fall under.", "how": "Call the complaint hotline or email the complaints address.", "complaint_url": "https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/divisions-shared-services/provider-services-quality-assurance/occupational-licensing/psychiatric-residential-treatment-facilities-prtf/", "info_url": "https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/divisions-shared-services/provider-services-quality-assurance/information-about-our-licensed-providers/enforcement-violation-reports/", "phone": "1-800-582-4887", "email": "complaints.OLTC@arkansas.gov", "anonymous": "allowed", "note": "Arkansas publishes PRTF monitoring and complaint visit reports, corrective action plans and notices of adverse action online. Read what has already been found against a program before you file.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/divisions-shared-services/provider-services-quality-assurance/occupational-licensing/psychiatric-residential-treatment-facilities-prtf/", "https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/news/dhs-makes-reports-on-psychiatric-residential-treatment-facilities-available-online/" ] }, { "id": "ar-child-abuse-hotline", "category": "legal", "name": "Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline (State Police Crimes Against Children Division)", "what_it_can_do": "The statutory report line for child maltreatment, run by the Arkansas State Police rather than by the human services department, so a report reaches law enforcement directly.", "who_to_report": "A child at an Arkansas program. Anyone may report, at any hour.", "how": "Call. Have the child's name and address, the alleged offender's name and address, and what happened. If a child's life may be in immediate danger, call 911 or local law enforcement first, then the hotline. Mandated reporters can file through the secure online portal instead.", "complaint_url": "https://mandatedreporter.arkansas.gov/mrp/", "info_url": "https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/divisions-shared-services/children-family-services/how-to-report-child-abuse-neglect/", "phone": "1-800-482-5964", "phone_note": "Also 1-844-SAVE-A-CHILD. 24 hours a day, seven days a week.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/divisions-shared-services/children-family-services/how-to-report-child-abuse-neglect/", "https://dps.arkansas.gov/law-enforcement/arkansas-state-police/divisions/crimes-against-children/" ] }, { "id": "ar-disability-rights-arkansas", "category": "oversight", "name": "Disability Rights Arkansas", "what_it_can_do": "Arkansas's Protection and Advocacy agency, with federal authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities, a right of access to them, and free legal advocacy.", "who_to_report": "An Arkansas program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line.", "info_url": "https://disabilityrightsar.org/", "phone": "1-800-482-1174", "phone_note": "Main line 501-296-1775 voice/TDD.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=arkansas" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/arkansas/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "CSA: There is no SOL for CSA civil claims, an open revival window for expired claims, and a 3-year discovery rule.", "Trafficking: There is no SOL for some trafficking offenses and other trafficking offenses have an SOL of age 21.", "CSAM: There is no SOL for some CSAM violations and other CSAM offenses have an SOL of age 21." ], "criminal": [ "CSA: There is no SOL for some CSA crimes, including but not limited to felony rape, sex assault, incest, and exploitation. Other CSA felonies and misdemeanors have an SOL of age 28. Any remaining felonies have an SOL of six years from the offense or one year for misdemeanors.", "Trafficking: The SOL for felony trafficking is 6 years from the offense. The SOL for trafficking misdemeanors is 1 year from the offense.", "CSAM: There is no SOL for engaging children in sexually explicit conduct for use in a visual or print medium or for computer exploitation of a child in the first degree. The SOL for other computer child pornography violations is age 28." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "California", "abbr": "CA", "slug": "california", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "California has a trap that catches families constantly. The Board of Behavioral Sciences warns that a complaint filed by anyone other than the client may be impossible to pursue, because the client owns the confidentiality of their own treatment records - so a parent complaining about their adult child's therapist, or a sibling complaining for a survivor, may need signed authorisations from everyone involved before the Board can investigate at all. Sort that out before you file, not after.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "Two years from the injury for assault, battery, and injuries caused by someone's wrongful act or negligence. False imprisonment (being held against your will) has only one year.", "citation": "Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1; § 340(c)", "source_url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP§ionNum=335.1" }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "The clock does not run while the injured person is under 18, so a two-year claim can be filed until age 20 (one-year false imprisonment claims until 19). This pause does NOT apply to claims against a government body or public employee.", "citation": "Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352", "source_url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP§ionNum=352" }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "For a state- or county-run facility, a written government claim must be filed within six months of the injury, and a lawsuit within six months after the claim is rejected in writing (two years if no written rejection is sent). Being a minor does not pause these deadlines, but it is grounds for the agency to accept a late claim if applied for within a year.", "citation": "Cal. Gov. Code §§ 911.2(a), 945.6(a), 911.6(b)(2)-(3); Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352(b)", "source_url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=GOV§ionNum=911.2" }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "Felony child abuse or endangerment (Penal Code 273a(a)) and felony cruel corporal punishment or traumatic injury to a child (273d) must be charged within three years of the offense. The clock is not paused until the child turns 18 for these physical-abuse crimes.", "citation": "Cal. Penal Code § 801; §§ 273a(a), 273d(a); § 805(a)", "source_url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PEN§ionNum=801", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "Felony assault such as assault with a deadly weapon or force likely to cause great bodily injury: three years from the offense. Felonies carrying eight years or more: six years. Misdemeanor assault or battery: one year.", "citation": "Cal. Penal Code §§ 800, 801, 802(a); § 245(a)", "source_url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PEN§ionNum=800" } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "ca-board-behavioral-sciences", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "California Board of Behavioral Sciences", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses and disciplines marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, professional clinical counselors and educational psychologists, and registers their associates. It can file a formal Accusation leading to probation, suspension or revocation of a licence.", "what_it_cannot_do": "A third-party complaint may be impossible for it to pursue unless everyone involved authorises release of the treatment records. An anonymous complaint will be reviewed but, in the Board's own words, may be impossible to pursue without documented evidence.", "who_to_report": "An LMFT, LCSW, LPCC or LEP, or one of their registered associates. Psychologists are the separate Board of Psychology.", "how": "File online through DCA BreEZe, or post the Consumer Complaint Form and Authorization Release. It must be in writing, and first-hand, verifiable detail counts for much more than anything else, including contact details for anyone who can corroborate it.", "complaint_url": "https://www.bbs.ca.gov/consumers/consumer_complaints.html", "info_url": "https://www.bbs.ca.gov/consumers/enforcement_actions.html", "anonymous": "discouraged", "note": "The Board says it reviews every complaint whatever its source, acknowledges receipt in writing where it can, and writes to you again if the disposition changes.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.bbs.ca.gov/consumers/consumer_complaints.html", "https://www.bbs.ca.gov/consumers/enforcement_actions.html" ] }, { "id": "ca-community-care-licensing", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "California Community Care Licensing Division, Centralized Complaint and Information Bureau", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses and inspects Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Programs, group homes and the other children's residential facilities, investigates complaints, and publishes what it finds against each facility.", "who_to_report": "The facility. The Community Care Facility search lets you look a program up first and read its licensing record.", "how": "Call the hotline, or complain online, by email, letter or fax.", "complaint_url": "https://complaints.ccld.dss.ca.gov/Home/SubmitComplaint", "info_url": "https://cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/ccld-complaint-hotline", "phone": "1-844-538-8766", "phone_note": "1-844-LET-US-NO.", "email": "letusno@dss.ca.gov", "mail": "California Department of Social Services, Centralized Complaint and Information Bureau, 744 P Street, Mail Station 9-3-52, Sacramento, CA 95814", "anonymous": "allowed", "note": "The Division says you may remain anonymous.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/ccld-complaint-hotline", "https://cdss.ca.gov/reporting/file-a-complaint/ccld-complaints" ] }, { "id": "ca-county-child-protective-services", "category": "legal", "name": "Your county Child Protective Services hotline", "what_it_can_do": "California has no statewide child abuse hotline. Each county runs its own 24-hour line, staffed by trained social workers, and that county agency investigates.", "who_to_report": "A child at a California program. Report to the county the program sits in, not the county you live in.", "how": "Find the county's hotline through the state's reporting page and call it. In an emergency, 911.", "complaint_url": "https://www.cdss.ca.gov/reporting/report-abuse/child-protective-services/report-child-abuse", "info_url": "https://www.cdss.ca.gov/reporting/report-abuse/child-protective-services", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "note": "If it is the county child welfare agency itself that has mishandled things, the state takes complaints about county agencies separately.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.cdss.ca.gov/reporting/report-abuse/child-protective-services/report-child-abuse", "https://www.cdss.ca.gov/reporting/file-a-complaint/county-complaints" ] }, { "id": "ca-disability-rights-california", "category": "oversight", "name": "Disability Rights California", "what_it_can_do": "California's Protection and Advocacy agency and the largest in the country. Federal authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities, a right of access to them, and free legal advocacy.", "who_to_report": "A California program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line.", "info_url": "https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/", "phone": "1-800-776-5746", "phone_note": "Main line 916-504-5800; TTY 1-800-719-5798.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=california" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/california/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "CSA: There is no SOL for civil CSA claims against all defendants.", "Trafficking: The SOL for trafficking offenses is age 28.", "CSAM: There is no SOL for some CSAM offenses, and an SOL of age 40 for others, with a 10-year discovery rule." ], "criminal": [ "CSA: There is no SOL for many felony sex offenses, including rape. The SOL is age 40 for other felonies, and 1-3 years from the offense for misdemeanors.", "Trafficking: There is no SOL for trafficking using force, fraud, or coercion. The SOL for other trafficking violations is 6 years from the offense.", "CSAM: The SOL for CSAM is 10 years from the offense." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "Colorado", "abbr": "CO", "slug": "colorado", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "Colorado puts every licensed profession behind one complaint form at the Division of Professions and Occupations. It also has an independent Child Protection Ombudsman with its own complaint form, which publishes investigative reports naming what it found; that is a real route when a report has already been made and nothing moved.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "Assault, battery and false imprisonment: one year. Negligence and most other injury claims (including outrageous conduct / emotional distress): two years. By statute, the clock starts when you knew, or reasonably should have known, both the injury and its cause.", "citation": "Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-80-103(1)(a); § 13-80-102(1)(a); § 13-80-108(1)", "source_url": "https://law.justia.com/codes/colorado/title-13/limitation-of-actions/article-80/section-13-80-103/" }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "For a minor with no court-appointed guardian, the deadline does not run until 18; they then have the normal period or two years after turning 18, whichever ends later. If a court appointed a guardian or conservator for the child, the clock runs during childhood as for an adult (the guardian gets at least two years after appointment). A parent is not a 'legal representative' unless appointed by a court.", "citation": "Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-81-103(1)(a), (c); § 13-81-101(2)-(3); § 13-80-108(1)", "source_url": "https://law.justia.com/codes/colorado/title-13/limitation-of-actions/article-81/section-13-81-103/", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "Before suing a state or local government body or its employee, you must file a written notice within 182 days after discovering the injury (with the Attorney General for the state), then wait for a denial or 90 days; the suit itself must meet the normal deadline. Government bodies are immune except in listed situations.", "citation": "Colo. Rev. Stat. § 24-10-109(1), (3), (5), (6)", "source_url": "https://law.justia.com/codes/colorado/title-24/administration/article-10/section-24-10-109/" }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "Felony child abuse must be charged within three years of the offense, the general felony period. There is no rule pausing it until the child turns 18 for physical (non-sexual) abuse.", "citation": "Colo. Rev. Stat. § 16-5-401(1)(a) (child abuse is § 18-6-401)", "source_url": "https://law.justia.com/codes/colorado/title-16/code-of-criminal-procedure/article-5/part-4/section-16-5-401/" }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "Felony assault must be charged within three years of the offense. Misdemeanor assault: 18 months.", "citation": "Colo. Rev. Stat. § 16-5-401(1)(a)", "source_url": "https://law.justia.com/codes/colorado/title-16/code-of-criminal-procedure/article-5/part-4/section-16-5-401/" } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "co-division-professions-occupations", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations (DORA)", "what_it_can_do": "Takes and investigates complaints against every mental health licence Colorado issues - psychologists, clinical social workers, professional counselors, marriage and family therapists and addiction counselors - through one form, and the boards discipline the licence.", "who_to_report": "Any licensed mental health professional in Colorado. Anyone can file: a client, a colleague, a family member.", "how": "Use the Division's single complaint form and pick the licence type.", "complaint_url": "https://dpo.colorado.gov/FileComplaint", "info_url": "https://dora.colorado.gov/file-complaint", "phone": "303-894-7855", "phone_note": "DORA main line. Toll free 1-800-886-7675.", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dora.colorado.gov/file-complaint", "https://dpo.colorado.gov/FileComplaint" ], "note": "Colorado's mental health practice act sets a filing deadline, but the Division's own pages did not state it when this was checked. Ask the Division how long you have before assuming you are out of time." }, { "id": "co-behavioral-health-administration", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "Colorado Behavioral Health Administration", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses behavioral health entities in Colorado and takes complaints about the services they provide.", "who_to_report": "A licensed behavioral health provider or program.", "how": "Submit a complaint through the BHA's complaint page, or email the complaints address.", "complaint_url": "https://bha.colorado.gov/help/submit-a-complaint", "phone": "303-866-7191", "email": "CDHS_BHA_complaint@state.co.us", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://bha.colorado.gov/help/submit-a-complaint" ] }, { "id": "co-child-abuse-hotline", "category": "legal", "name": "Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline", "what_it_can_do": "The statewide report line for child abuse and neglect. It routes the report to the county department that investigates.", "who_to_report": "A child at a Colorado program.", "how": "Call. It is answered at any hour, every day.", "info_url": "https://co4kids.org/", "phone": "1-844-264-5437", "phone_note": "1-844-CO-4-KIDS. 24 hours a day, every day.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://co4kids.org/", "https://cdhs.colorado.gov/child-welfare" ] }, { "id": "co-child-protection-ombudsman", "category": "oversight", "name": "Office of Colorado's Child Protection Ombudsman", "what_it_can_do": "An independent office that investigates complaints about the child protection system, including how an agency handled a case, and publishes investigative reports setting out what it found. It has looked at residential child care facilities directly.", "what_it_cannot_do": "It examines how the system responded rather than licensing or prosecuting a program itself.", "who_to_report": "A family or young person who reported something to a Colorado agency and got nowhere, or who believes the response itself caused harm.", "how": "Use the office's own complaint form.", "complaint_url": "https://coloradocpo.org/complaint-form/", "info_url": "https://coloradocpo.org/reports/", "phone": "720-625-8640", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://coloradocpo.org/" ] }, { "id": "co-disability-justice", "category": "oversight", "name": "Disability Justice (Colorado's Protection and Advocacy agency)", "what_it_can_do": "Colorado's federally mandated P&A, with authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities, a right of access to them, and free legal advocacy.", "who_to_report": "A Colorado program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line.", "info_url": "https://disabilityjustice.co", "phone": "1-800-288-1376", "phone_note": "Main line 303-722-0300 voice/TDD.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "note": "Formerly Disability Law Colorado; it now operates as Disability Justice.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=colorado" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/colorado/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "Colorado has no civil SOL for CSA claims against all defendants." ], "criminal": [ "CSA: There is no SOL for felony sex offenses against children. The SOL is 5 years from the offense for misdemeanors.", "Trafficking: There is no SOL for felony sex trafficking of a minor.", "CSAM: There is no SOL for felony CSAM offenses." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "Connecticut", "abbr": "CT", "slug": "connecticut", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "Connecticut puts a clock on reporting: an oral report to the DCF Careline within 12 hours of the suspected abuse, followed by the written DCF-136 form within 48 hours of that. Anyone reporting in good faith is immune from civil or criminal liability. The Department of Public Health is equally clear about its own limits - it can only act against a licence, and nothing it does will get a consumer compensated.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "Intentional harm such as assault, battery or false imprisonment: three years from the date of the act (not the date you discovered it). Negligence or reckless conduct: two years from when the injury was sustained or discovered, but never more than three years after the act.", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-577; § 52-584", "source_url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_926.htm#sec_52-577" }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "Connecticut does NOT pause the civil deadline for most injuries while the victim is a child. The three-year and two-year periods run from the abuse even if the victim was a minor. Only sexual-abuse claims get special extended time.", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 52-577, 52-584 (no general tolling provision in chapter 926)", "source_url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_926.htm", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "Claims against the State go to the Office of the Claims Commissioner within one year of when the injury was sustained or discovered, and never more than three years after the act. Suits against a town and its employee jointly need written notice to the town clerk within six months and a lawsuit within two years.", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 4-148(a); § 7-465(a)", "source_url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_053.htm#sec_4-148", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "Physical child abuse (for example, risk of injury to a child, or assault) must be charged within five years of the offense if it can carry more than a year in prison. There is no rule pausing it until the victim turns 18 for non-sexual abuse.", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 54-193(c)", "source_url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_966.htm#sec_54-193" }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "Felony assault: five years from the offense (no limit if it is a class A felony). Misdemeanor assault: one year.", "citation": "Conn. Gen. Stat. § 54-193(a), (c), (d)", "source_url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_966.htm#sec_54-193" } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "ct-public-health-practitioner-investigations", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "Connecticut Department of Public Health, Practitioner Investigations Unit", "what_it_can_do": "Investigates complaints against the health care practitioners the Department regulates, including licensed professional counselors, clinical social workers, psychologists and marital and family therapists, and the boards act against the licence.", "what_it_cannot_do": "Its jurisdiction is limited by law to action against the licence. The Department says plainly that nothing it or a board does will result in any compensation, monetary or otherwise, to the person who complained.", "who_to_report": "A licensed counselor, clinical social worker, psychologist or marital and family therapist in Connecticut.", "how": "Read the Department's complaint page and its practitioner complaints FAQ first, then file. You can call to have a complaint form posted to you.", "complaint_url": "https://portal.ct.gov/dph/practitioner-licensing--investigations/plis/reporting-a-complaint", "info_url": "https://portal.ct.gov/dph/practitioner-licensing--investigations/complaints", "phone": "860-509-7552", "phone_note": "To request a complaint form by post.", "mail": "Department of Public Health, Practitioner Investigations Unit, P.O. Box 340308, Hartford, CT 06134-0308", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://portal.ct.gov/dph/practitioner-licensing--investigations/plis/reporting-a-complaint", "https://portal.ct.gov/dph/practitioner-licensing--investigations/complaints" ] }, { "id": "ct-dcf-careline", "category": "legal", "name": "Connecticut DCF Careline", "what_it_can_do": "The statutory report line for child abuse and neglect, open around the clock, and the route into a Department of Children and Families investigation.", "who_to_report": "A child under 18 at a Connecticut program. Anyone with reasonable cause to suspect abuse may report.", "how": "Make the oral report within 12 hours of the suspected abuse, then send the written DCF-136 form within 48 hours of that. A report can also go to a law enforcement agency.", "complaint_url": "https://portal.ct.gov/dcf/knowledge-base/articles/supports-for-children-and-families/child-abuse-and-neglect/report-child-abuse", "info_url": "https://portal.ct.gov/dcf/supports-for-children-and-families/child-abuse-and-neglect", "phone": "1-800-842-2288", "phone_note": "24 hours a day, seven days a week.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "deadline": "Not a deadline on the abuse, but on the report: oral within 12 hours, written DCF-136 within 48 hours of the oral report.", "note": "Anyone who makes a report in good faith is immune from civil and criminal liability for it.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://portal.ct.gov/dcf/knowledge-base/articles/supports-for-children-and-families/child-abuse-and-neglect/report-child-abuse", "https://portal.ct.gov/dcf/supports-for-children-and-families/child-abuse-and-neglect" ] }, { "id": "ct-office-early-childhood-licensing", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, Licensing Division", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses child care programs and camps in Connecticut and investigates complaints against them.", "who_to_report": "A licensed child care program or camp. Where abuse or neglect is happening at one, Connecticut tells you to call the Careline as well as this division.", "how": "Use the Office's complaint page, or call the Licensing Division.", "complaint_url": "https://www.ctoec.org/contact-us/file-a-complaint/", "phone": "1-800-282-6063", "phone_note": "Licensing Division. Direct line 860-500-4450.", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ctoec.org/contact-us/file-a-complaint/" ] }, { "id": "ct-disability-rights-connecticut", "category": "oversight", "name": "Disability Rights Connecticut", "what_it_can_do": "Connecticut's Protection and Advocacy agency, with federal authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities, a right of access to them, and free legal advocacy.", "who_to_report": "A Connecticut program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line.", "info_url": "https://www.disrightsct.org", "phone": "1-800-842-7303", "phone_note": "Main line 860-297-4300.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=connecticut" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/connecticut/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "The civil SOL for CSA, trafficking, and CSAM claims is age 51, with revival up to age 48. A narrow exception eliminates the SOL for claims against any defendant, either individual perpetrator or other, if the perpetrator of the abuse has been criminally convicted of first-degree sexual assault." ], "criminal": [ "CSA: There is no SOL for any felony or misdemeanor CSA offense, including sexual abuse and exploitation.", "Trafficking: There is no SOL for trafficking offenses.", "CSAM: The SOL for child pornography violations is 5 years from the offense." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "Delaware", "abbr": "DE", "slug": "delaware", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "Delaware has an Institutional Abuse Unit inside the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families that investigates abuse or neglect of a child while at a facility or program, so an institutional report does not get handled as an ordinary family case. Delaware also places a duty on every licensed practitioner to report another practitioner they reasonably believe is doing something that would be grounds for discipline - useful if you are a clinician who has seen something and is wondering whether you may say so.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "Two years from the date the injury happened, for any personal-injury claim, including assault, battery and negligence.", "citation": "10 Del. C. § 8119", "source_url": "https://delcode.delaware.gov/title10/c081/index.html" }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "Delaware's childhood tolling rule (three years after the disability ends) only covers the claims listed in sections 8101-8115, and the two-year personal-injury deadline is section 8119, outside that range. So for physical-injury claims the clock likely runs from the injury even if the victim was a child. Only sexual-abuse claims get special treatment.", "citation": "10 Del. C. § 8116; § 8119", "source_url": "https://delcode.delaware.gov/title10/c081/index.html", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "The State and its employees are immune for good-faith discretionary acts done without gross or wanton negligence. Counties, towns and other local bodies are immune from tort suits except narrow negligence exceptions (vehicles, public buildings, pollution); a local ordinance may require notice but cannot bar a suit if notice is given within one year.", "citation": "10 Del. C. § 4001; §§ 4011-4013", "source_url": "https://delcode.delaware.gov/title10/c040/sc02/index.html", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "Child abuse causing permanent injury (first degree) is a class A felony and can be charged at any time. Other felony child abuse (second and third degree, child torture, felony endangering) must be charged within five years; misdemeanor child abuse within three years. The clock is not paused until the victim turns 18.", "citation": "11 Del. C. § 205(a), (b); §§ 1103-1103D", "source_url": "https://delcode.delaware.gov/title11/c002/index.html" }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "Felony assault (first or second degree) must be charged within five years; no limit if it is a class A felony. Misdemeanor assault (class A misdemeanor): three years; lesser misdemeanors: two years.", "citation": "11 Del. C. § 205(b)", "source_url": "https://delcode.delaware.gov/title11/c002/index.html" } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "de-division-professional-regulation", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "Delaware Division of Professional Regulation", "what_it_can_do": "Houses the Board of Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Professionals, the Board of Professional Counselors and the psychology board. The boards monitor complaints against their licensees, hold formal hearings and impose sanctions.", "who_to_report": "A licensed mental health or chemical dependency professional in Delaware.", "how": "Submit the complaint in writing to the Director of the Division of Professional Regulation. At the Board's next scheduled meeting a contact person is appointed and given a copy of it.", "complaint_url": "https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/profcounselors/forms/", "info_url": "https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/profcounselors/members/", "phone": "302-744-4500", "email": "customerservice.dpr@state.de.us", "anonymous": "not-allowed", "note": "Under Title 24 Chapter 30, every licensee has a duty to report in writing where they reasonably believe another practitioner or health care provider has engaged in conduct that would be grounds for discipline.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/profcounselors/forms/", "https://delcode.delaware.gov/title24/c030/sc01/index.html" ] }, { "id": "de-institutional-abuse-reporting", "category": "legal", "name": "Delaware Child Abuse Report Line (Institutional Abuse Unit)", "what_it_can_do": "The statutory 24-hour report line. Where the complaint concerns abuse or neglect of a child while at a facility or program, the Department's Institutional Abuse Unit or law enforcement investigates it.", "who_to_report": "A child at a Delaware program.", "how": "Call the report line at any hour.", "info_url": "https://kids.delaware.gov/family-services/child-abuse-and-neglect-reporting/", "phone": "1-800-292-9582", "phone_note": "24 hours a day, seven days a week.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://kids.delaware.gov/family-services/child-abuse-and-neglect-reporting/" ] }, { "id": "de-office-child-care-licensing", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL)", "what_it_can_do": "Investigates complaints that a licensed facility has broken the licensing rules, including the regulations governing residential child care facilities.", "what_it_cannot_do": "It has no authority over financial matters and does not investigate personal disputes. Abuse and neglect go to the Child Abuse Report Line instead.", "who_to_report": "A licensed Delaware residential child care facility, where the issue is a licensing breach.", "how": "File a confidential complaint online, or call the office for the county the facility is in.", "complaint_url": "https://education.delaware.gov/families/birth-age-5/occl/make_a_complaint", "phone": "1-800-822-2236", "phone_note": "Kent and Sussex counties; also 302-739-5487. New Castle County 302-892-5800.", "anonymous": "allowed", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://education.delaware.gov/families/birth-age-5/occl/make_a_complaint", "https://regulations.delaware.gov/AdminCode/title14/900/935.shtml" ] }, { "id": "de-disability-rights-delaware", "category": "oversight", "name": "Disability Rights Delaware (Community Legal Aid Society)", "what_it_can_do": "Delaware's Protection and Advocacy agency, with federal authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities, a right of access to them, and free legal advocacy.", "who_to_report": "A Delaware program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line.", "info_url": "https://declasi.org/", "phone": "1-800-292-7980", "phone_note": "Main line 302-575-0660; TTY 302-575-0696.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=delaware" ], "note": "Operates as part of the Community Legal Aid Society; its site is declasi.org." } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/delaware/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "CSA: There is no SOL for civil CSA claims against any defendants.", "Trafficking: The SOL is age 23 for trafficking claims.", "CSAM: There is no SOL for civil CSAM claims against any defendants." ], "criminal": [ "CSA: There is no SOL for all felony and misdemeanor CSA crimes.", "Trafficking: There is no SOL for felony trafficking violations.", "CSAM: There is no SOL for CSAM violations." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "District of Columbia", "abbr": "DC", "slug": "district-of-columbia", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "The District runs every complaint about a health professional through one investigating body, the Health Regulation and Licensing Administration, which works on behalf of all the occupation boards. It will not accept an anonymous complaint. Its boards can reprimand, impose probation, fine, suspend or revoke a licence under the Health Occupations Revision Act.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "Assault, battery, false arrest and false imprisonment: one year. Negligence and other claims with no specific deadline (for example, negligent supervision by a program): three years.", "citation": "D.C. Code § 12-301(a)(4), (a)(8)", "source_url": "https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/12-301" }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "The clock does not run while the injured person is under 18. After turning 18 they get the full normal period: one year for assault or battery (until 19), three years for negligence (until 21).", "citation": "D.C. Code § 12-302(a)", "source_url": "https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/12-302" }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "To sue the District of Columbia for injuries, written notice must reach the Mayor within six months of the injury (a police report made in the regular course of duty also counts). The lawsuit itself follows the normal deadlines.", "citation": "D.C. Code § 12-309(a)", "source_url": "https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/12-309" }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "Cruelty to children (first or second degree) is a felony and must be charged within six years of the offense. The clock is not paused until the victim grows up for this non-sexual crime.", "citation": "D.C. Code § 23-113(a)(4); § 22-1101", "source_url": "https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/23-113" }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "Felony assault (such as aggravated assault) must be charged within six years. Misdemeanor simple assault: three years.", "citation": "D.C. Code § 23-113(a)(4)-(5)", "source_url": "https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/23-113" } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "dc-health-regulation-licensing", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "DC Health Regulation and Licensing Administration (HRLA)", "what_it_can_do": "Investigates complaints on behalf of the District's health occupation boards, including the Board of Professional Counseling, the Board of Psychology and the Board of Social Work. Disciplinary action runs from a reprimand through probation, a fine and suspension to revoking the licence.", "who_to_report": "A licensed professional counselor, psychologist or social worker in the District.", "how": "Complete the complaint form and send it to the board that regulates that profession.", "complaint_url": "https://dchealth.dc.gov/node/145702", "info_url": "https://dchealth.dc.gov/release/board-professional-counseling", "phone": "202-724-4900", "phone_note": "HRLA; also 202-724-8800. Board of Professional Counseling 202-442-5955.", "mail": "Board of Professional Counseling, 2201 Shannon Place SE, Washington, DC 20020", "anonymous": "not-allowed", "note": "The Board will not accept an anonymous complaint.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dchealth.dc.gov/node/145702", "https://dchealth.dc.gov/release/board-professional-counseling" ] }, { "id": "dc-cfsa-hotline", "category": "legal", "name": "DC Child and Family Services Agency hotline", "what_it_can_do": "The District's statutory report line, taken by CFSA's Office of Hotline and Investigations around the clock for children up to 18.", "who_to_report": "A child at a District program.", "how": "Call at any hour.", "complaint_url": "https://cfsa.dc.gov/service/report-child-abuse-and-neglect", "info_url": "https://cfsa.dc.gov/page/about-cfsa", "phone": "202-671-7233", "phone_note": "202-671-SAFE. 24 hours a day, seven days a week.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://cfsa.dc.gov/service/report-child-abuse-and-neglect", "https://cfsa.dc.gov/page/about-cfsa" ] }, { "id": "dc-cfsa-licensing", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "DC Child and Family Services Agency, facility oversight", "what_it_can_do": "The District's public child welfare agency, responsible for protecting children at risk of abuse and neglect and for the programs placed children are in.", "who_to_report": "A District facility or program caring for children.", "how": "Contact CFSA. Abuse or neglect goes to the hotline.", "info_url": "https://cfsa.dc.gov/agency/child-and-family-services-agency", "phone": "202-442-6100", "phone_note": "Monday to Friday, 8:15am to 4:45pm.", "mail": "Child and Family Services Agency, 200 I Street SE, Washington, DC 20003", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://cfsa.dc.gov/agency/child-and-family-services-agency" ] }, { "id": "dc-university-legal-services", "category": "oversight", "name": "University Legal Services (the District's Protection and Advocacy agency)", "what_it_can_do": "The District's federally mandated P&A, with authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities, a right of access to them, and free legal advocacy.", "who_to_report": "A District program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line.", "info_url": "https://www.uls-dc.org/", "phone": "202-547-0198", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=district-of-columbia" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/washington-dc/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "The civil SOL for CSA, trafficking, and CSAM claims against all defendants is age 40, with a 5-year discovery rule." ], "criminal": [ "CSA: There is no SOL for many CSA and incest offenses. The SOL is age 27 for other felonies and 3 years from the offense for misdemeanors.", "Trafficking: The SOL is age 31 for trafficking-related felonies.", "CSAM: The SOL is age 31 for CSAM offenses." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "Florida", "abbr": "FL", "slug": "florida", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "Florida runs every complaint about a licensed clinician through one portal at the Department of Health, whatever the profession, and it has a hard six-year deadline running from the last date of treatment. The facility is regulated separately by the Agency for Health Care Administration, which licenses residential treatment centers for children and adolescents, including therapeutic group homes.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "Four years from the injury for assault, battery, false imprisonment or any other intentional tort. Two years from the injury for a claim based on negligence (for example, a program's careless supervision).", "citation": "Fla. Stat. § 95.11(3)(n) (intentional torts); § 95.11(5)(a) (negligence)", "source_url": "https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0095/Sections/0095.11.html" }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "Florida does not generally pause the clock for being a minor: it is paused only while the child has no parent or guardian, or the parent's interest is adverse, and never beyond 7 years from the act. But a lawsuit based on abuse (physical, mental or sexual, as defined in Florida's child-welfare law) can be filed up to 7 years after turning 18, within 4 years of leaving the abuser's dependency, or within 4 years of discovering the injury and its link to the abuse, whichever is latest.", "citation": "Fla. Stat. § 95.11(8); § 95.051(1)(i), (2); § 39.01 (definition of abuse)", "source_url": "https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0095/Sections/0095.11.html", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "Against the state, a county or another public agency, you must present a written claim to the agency (and, for state agencies, to the Department of Financial Services) within 3 years, and file the lawsuit within 4 years of the injury.", "citation": "Fla. Stat. § 768.28(6)(a), (14)", "source_url": "https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0768/Sections/0768.28.html" }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "Aggravated child abuse (a first-degree felony) must be charged within 4 years. Child abuse without great bodily harm, and neglect, are third-degree felonies with 3 years. The clock is NOT paused until the child turns 18 for physical abuse; that rule covers only sex offenses. If the child died, there is no limit.", "citation": "Fla. Stat. § 775.15(1), (2)(a)-(b); § 827.03(2)", "source_url": "https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0775/Sections/0775.15.html" }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "Aggravated assault (third-degree felony) and aggravated battery (second-degree felony) must be charged within 3 years. Simple assault must be charged within 1 year and simple battery within 2 years.", "citation": "Fla. Stat. § 775.15(2)(b)-(d); § 784.021(2); § 784.045(2)", "source_url": "https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0775/Sections/0775.15.html" } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "fl-doh-mqa", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "Florida Department of Health, Medical Quality Assurance", "what_it_can_do": "Investigates complaints against every health care practitioner the Department licenses - psychologists, clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, mental health counselors and physicians - and can reprimand, fine, restrict practice, impose probation, suspend or revoke a licence.", "what_it_cannot_do": "Everything it can do is administrative. It cannot award you damages, and it may require you to pay for copies of medical records it needs.", "who_to_report": "Any licensed clinician who treated you or your child in Florida. Verify the licence first through the Department's lookup, which also shows any disciplinary history.", "how": "File through the Florida Health Care Complaint Portal. It cannot be done over the phone, and Florida law requires the complaint to be signed. Unlicensed practice is the exception and can be reported by phone.", "complaint_url": "https://complaint-portal.mqa.flhealthsource.gov/", "info_url": "https://www.floridahealth.gov/licensing-regulations/complaints-enforcement/", "phone": "1-877-425-8852", "phone_note": "877-HALT-ULA, for unlicensed activity only. A complaint against a licensee has to be in writing.", "email": "MQA.ConsumerServices@FLHealth.gov", "anonymous": "not-allowed", "deadline": "Six years from the last date of treatment, and the whole investigation and probable cause finding has to be finished inside it, so filing late in the window may leave too little time.", "note": "Complaints stay confidential until ten days after probable cause is found, and permanently if it is not. Patient identity and records stay confidential either way. If the case is opened, the practitioner gets a copy of the complaint.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.floridahealth.gov/licensing-regulations/complaints-enforcement/" ] }, { "id": "fl-ahca", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, Complaint Administration Unit", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses and regulates Residential Treatment Centers for Children and Adolescents - 24-hour residential programs including therapeutic group homes - and investigates complaints about the care they give.", "who_to_report": "The facility. Check first on FloridaHealthFinder.gov whether AHCA regulates it; if it is not AHCA-licensed it may be licensed by the Department of Children and Families instead, or by nobody.", "how": "Use the online Health Care Facility Complaint Form, or call the complaint line. There is a separate form for reporting a facility operating without a licence.", "complaint_url": "https://apps.ahca.myflorida.com/hcfc/", "info_url": "https://ahca.myflorida.com/health-quality-assurance/bureau-of-health-facility-regulation/hospital-outpatient-services-unit/residential-treatment-centers-for-children-and-adolescents.html", "phone": "1-888-419-3456", "phone_note": "Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm Eastern. Florida Relay TDD 1-800-955-8771.", "anonymous": "allowed", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://ahca.myflorida.com/health-quality-assurance/bureau-of-field-operations/complaint-administration-unit.html", "https://ahca.myflorida.com/health-quality-assurance/bureau-of-health-facility-regulation/hospital-outpatient-services-unit/residential-treatment-centers-for-children-and-adolescents.html" ] }, { "id": "fl-abuse-hotline", "category": "legal", "name": "Florida Abuse Hotline", "what_it_can_do": "The statutory report line for child abuse, neglect and abandonment in Florida. Where the person accused is a caregiver, the Department of Children and Families investigates; where they are not, the report is transferred electronically to the local law enforcement agency where the child lives.", "who_to_report": "A child at a Florida program. Florida law requires anyone who suspects a child has been abused by any person to report it here.", "how": "Call, report online, or fax. Florida Relay 711 and TTY 1-800-453-5145.", "complaint_url": "https://reportabuse.myflfamilies.com/s/", "info_url": "https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/abuse/abuse-hotline/how-report-abuse/", "phone": "1-800-962-2873", "phone_note": "24 hours a day, every day. Fax 1-800-914-0004.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/abuse/abuse-hotline", "https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/abuse/abuse-hotline/about/" ] }, { "id": "fl-disability-rights-florida", "category": "oversight", "name": "Disability Rights Florida", "what_it_can_do": "Florida's Protection and Advocacy agency, with federal authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities and a right of access to them. Free legal advocacy for eligible clients.", "who_to_report": "A Florida program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line.", "info_url": "https://disabilityrightsflorida.org/", "phone": "1-800-342-0823", "phone_note": "Main line 850-488-9071; TDD 1-800-346-4127.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=florida" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/florida/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "CSA: There is no SOL against any defendants for civil CSA claims involving sexual battery of children under age 16. The SOL is age 25, plus a 4-year discovery rule, for sexual battery claims involving 16- and 17-year-olds and any other CSA claims.", "Trafficking: The general SOL for trafficking claims is age 25. Except that there is no SOL for claims against an adult theater for trafficking children under age 16.", "CSAM: The SOL for CSAM claims is age 25." ], "criminal": [ "CSA: There is no SOL for some felony CSA offenses. The SOL for any remaining CSA felonies is age 21, and the SOL for misdemeanors is 2 years from the offense.", "Trafficking: There is no SOL for sex trafficking offenses.", "CSAM: The SOL for CSAM felonies is age 21, while the SOL for CSAM misdemeanors is 2 years from the offense." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "Georgia", "abbr": "GA", "slug": "georgia", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "Two things to know about Georgia before you file. The licensing boards will not accept a complaint without the licensee's name and licence number, so look them up first. And several of the outcomes a board can reach - a letter of concern, a private consent order - are confidential and will never be published, so a program's clean public record does not prove nothing was found.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "Two years from the injury for any personal injury claim, whether it is assault, battery, false imprisonment or negligence. If the injury came from a crime, the clock is paused while the criminal case is pending, for up to 6 years.", "citation": "O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33; § 9-3-99", "source_url": "https://codes.findlaw.com/ga/title-9-civil-practice/ga-code-sect-9-3-33.html" }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "Yes. If you were under 18 when you were hurt, the two years do not start until your 18th birthday, so the deadline is your 20th birthday. There is no cap in the statute.", "citation": "O.C.G.A. § 9-3-90(b)", "source_url": "https://codes.findlaw.com/ga/title-9-civil-practice/ga-code-sect-9-3-90.html" }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "Against the state, written notice must be sent within 12 months of discovering the loss and the lawsuit filed within 2 years; against a county the claim must be presented within 12 months, and against a city within 6 months. The state cannot be sued at all for assault, battery or false imprisonment by its employees, only for negligence.", "citation": "O.C.G.A. §§ 50-21-26(a)(1), 50-21-27(c), 50-21-24(7), 36-11-1, 36-33-5(b)", "source_url": "https://codes.findlaw.com/ga/title-50-state-government/ga-code-sect-50-21-26.html" }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "Felonies against a child under 18, including second-degree cruelty to children, must be charged within 7 years. First-degree cruelty to children (maliciously causing a child cruel or excessive physical or mental pain) can be charged at any time if the child was under 16 and the crime happened on or after July 1, 2012.", "citation": "O.C.G.A. § 17-3-2.1(b)(2); § 17-3-1(c); § 16-5-70", "source_url": "https://codes.findlaw.com/ga/title-17-criminal-procedure/ga-code-sect-17-3-2-1.html" }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "Aggravated assault, like most felonies, must be charged within 4 years (7 years if the victim was under 18). Misdemeanor simple assault or battery must be charged within 2 years.", "citation": "O.C.G.A. § 17-3-1(c), (e); § 16-5-21", "source_url": "https://codes.findlaw.com/ga/title-17-criminal-procedure/ga-code-sect-17-3-1.html" } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "ga-composite-board", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses and disciplines professional counselors, social workers and marriage and family therapists. Where a complaint substantiates unlicensed practice, or somebody aiding unlicensed practice, the board can move to a cease and desist order or refer it for criminal prosecution.", "what_it_cannot_do": "It has no power over an unlicensed individual or facility unless they apply for a licence. Investigations are confidential by law, and the board will not tell you over the phone whether it even received your complaint.", "who_to_report": "A counselor, social worker or marriage and family therapist licensed in Georgia. Psychologists have their own board under the same Secretary of State division and the same process.", "how": "Use the Secretary of State's licensing complaint route. You must give the licensee's name and licence number - find them in the licensee search - and attach any supporting documents.", "complaint_url": "https://sos.ga.gov/page/how-submit-licensing-complaint", "info_url": "https://sos.ga.gov/board-professional-counselors-social-workers-and-marriage-family-therapists", "anonymous": "not-allowed", "note": "Complaints and everything about them are exempt from open records and strictly confidential. Of the ways a case can close, only a public consent order and an order for monies received become public; a letter of concern and a private consent order do not.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://sos.ga.gov/page/how-submit-licensing-complaint", "https://sos.ga.gov/board-professional-counselors-social-workers-and-marriage-family-therapists" ] }, { "id": "ga-residential-child-care-licensing", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "Georgia DHS, Office of Inspector General, Residential Child Care Licensing", "what_it_can_do": "Monitors, inspects and licenses residential child care facilities, programs and services, including Child Caring Institutions - the group homes and institutions providing full-time care for six or more children away from their own homes. It investigates complaints against them.", "who_to_report": "The facility. If you know its name or address you can go straight into the public complaint portal.", "how": "Use the public complaint portal, or email the full details to the reports address. Give your contact information if you want to be told what the investigation found; it is kept confidential.", "complaint_url": "https://rcctrails.dhs.ga.gov/Public/PublicComplaintLanding.aspx", "info_url": "https://dhs.georgia.gov/organization/about/divisions-offices/office-inspector-general/residential-child-care-licensing", "email": "RCCreports@dhs.ga.gov", "anonymous": "allowed", "note": "You can complain anonymously, but the unit says it needs your contact details to come back to you with the result.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dhs.georgia.gov/organization/about/divisions-offices/office-inspector-general/residential-child-care-licensing", "https://dhs.georgia.gov/contacts/residential-child-care-licensing-unit" ] }, { "id": "ga-child-abuse-hotline", "category": "legal", "name": "Georgia Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting (DFCS)", "what_it_can_do": "The statutory report line for child abuse and neglect in Georgia, staffed seven days a week. A report starts a Division of Family and Children Services response.", "who_to_report": "A child at a Georgia program right now.", "how": "Call the hotline. Mandated reporters can also submit a referral through the online child protective services portal.", "complaint_url": "https://cps.dhs.ga.gov/Main/Default.aspx", "info_url": "https://dfcs.georgia.gov/services/child-abuse-neglect", "phone": "1-855-422-4453", "phone_note": "1.855.GACHILD. Seven days a week.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dfcs.georgia.gov/services/child-abuse-neglect" ] }, { "id": "ga-office-child-advocate", "category": "oversight", "name": "Georgia Office of the Child Advocate", "what_it_can_do": "An independent state office that reviews how the child protection system handles cases and takes complaints about it. The route when a report has already gone in and nothing has moved.", "what_it_cannot_do": "It reviews the state's handling rather than licensing or prosecuting the program itself.", "who_to_report": "A family or young person who has already reported and got nowhere.", "info_url": "https://oca.georgia.gov/child-abuse-and-neglect-reporting", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://oca.georgia.gov/child-abuse-and-neglect-reporting" ] }, { "id": "ga-advocacy-office", "category": "oversight", "name": "Georgia Advocacy Office", "what_it_can_do": "Georgia's Protection and Advocacy agency, with federal authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities, a right of access to them, and free legal advocacy.", "who_to_report": "A Georgia program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line.", "info_url": "https://thegao.org/", "phone": "1-800-537-2329", "phone_note": "Main line 404-885-1234 voice/TDD; toll-free TDD 1-800-610-2779.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=georgia" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/georgia/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "The civil SOL for CSA, trafficking, and CSAM offenses against all defendants is age 23 with a 2-year discovery rule." ], "criminal": [ "CSA: There is no SOL in Georgia for many felony CSA crimes against children under age sixteen, including rape. The SOL is age 31 for forcible rape of a sixteen-year-old and age 32 for forcible rape of a seventeen-year-old. The SOL is 7 years from the offense for remaining felonies and 2 years from the offense for misdemeanors.", "Trafficking: There is no SOL for trafficking.", "CSAM: The SOL for felony CSAM violation is 7 years from the offense. The SOL for misdemeanor CSAM violations is 2 years from the offense." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "Hawaii", "abbr": "HI", "slug": "hawaii", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "Hawaii has a name for what happens in these places: Institutional Harm, meaning abuse or neglect in any substitute care arrangement the Department licenses - foster, group or child care. Its Child Welfare Intake Unit takes Institutional Harm reports around the clock alongside ordinary abuse reports, which means you do not have to argue about which category your call belongs in.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "Two years for any personal injury, whether it was assault, battery, false imprisonment or negligence. Hawaii courts start the two years when the person knew, or should have known, of the injury and who caused it.", "citation": "Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-7", "source_url": "https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol13_Ch0601-0676/HRS0657/HRS_0657-0007.htm" }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "Yes. If you were under 18 when you were hurt, the two years start on your 18th birthday, so the deadline is your 20th birthday. The statute has no cap.", "citation": "Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-13", "source_url": "https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol13_Ch0601-0676/HRS0657/HRS_0657-0013.htm" }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "A lawsuit against the State must be filed within two years of the injury, and the State cannot be sued under its tort claims law for assault, battery or false imprisonment by its employees. For a county, written notice is required within two years.", "citation": "Haw. Rev. Stat. §§ 662-4, 662-15(4), 46-72", "source_url": "https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol13_Ch0601-0676/HRS0662/HRS_0662-0004.htm", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "Hawaii has no separate felony crime of physical child abuse; it is charged as assault or as endangering the welfare of a minor. Those felonies must be charged within 3 years (6 years for a class A felony). The clock is not paused until the child turns 18 for physical abuse.", "citation": "Haw. Rev. Stat. § 701-108(2)(b), (d), (6)(c); § 709-903.5; § 707-710", "source_url": "https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol14_Ch0701-0853/HRS0701/HRS_0701-0108.htm", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "Assault in the first degree (class B felony) and second degree (class C felony) must be charged within 3 years. Misdemeanor assault must be charged within 2 years (1 year for a petty misdemeanor).", "citation": "Haw. Rev. Stat. § 701-108(2)(d)-(f); §§ 707-710, 707-711", "source_url": "https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol14_Ch0701-0853/HRS0701/HRS_0701-0108.htm" } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "hi-regulated-industries-complaints-office", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "Hawaii Regulated Industries Complaints Office (RICO)", "what_it_can_do": "The licence-enforcement arm of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. It reviews complaints against licensees of the professional boards - psychologists, marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, physicians and psychiatrists among them - files administrative actions against them, and sues people providing those services with no board licence at all.", "who_to_report": "A licensed mental health professional in Hawaii, or somebody practising without a licence.", "how": "Use the Health Care Provider Complaint Form from the Professional and Vocational Licensing pages.", "complaint_url": "https://cca.hawaii.gov/rico/", "info_url": "https://cca.hawaii.gov/rico/check/", "phone": "808-587-3295", "phone_note": "RICO Consumer Resource Center; also 808-587-4272.", "anonymous": "unknown", "note": "The Resource Center will tell you a licensee's current status and whether they have a prior complaint history, which is worth asking before you file.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://cca.hawaii.gov/rico/", "https://cca.hawaii.gov/rico/check/" ] }, { "id": "hi-child-welfare-intake", "category": "legal", "name": "Hawaii Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline", "what_it_can_do": "The statutory report line. The Child Welfare Intake Unit takes reports around the clock, including Institutional Harm reports - abuse or neglect in any substitute care arrangement the Department licenses.", "who_to_report": "A child at a Hawaii program.", "how": "Call. From the neighbour islands there is a toll-free number.", "info_url": "https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/ssd/home/child-welfare-services/", "phone": "808-832-5300", "phone_note": "Oahu. Toll free from the neighbour islands, 1-888-380-3088. 24 hours a day.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/ssd/home/child-welfare-services/", "https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/important-phone-numbers/" ] }, { "id": "hi-child-care-licensing", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "Hawaii DHS child care and residential licensing", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses Hawaii's substitute care arrangements and decides whether a complaint discloses a breach of the child care law or licensing rules that needs investigating.", "who_to_report": "A licensed Hawaii facility, where the issue is a licensing breach. Abuse or neglect goes to the hotline instead, and the Department says so directly.", "how": "Report to the licensing unit for the facility.", "complaint_url": "https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/bessd/child-care-program/reporting-complaints-and-investigations/", "info_url": "https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/bessd/child-care-program/child-care-licensing/reporting-child-care-complaints-and-investigations/", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/bessd/child-care-program/reporting-complaints-and-investigations/", "https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/bessd/child-care-program/child-care-licensing/reporting-child-care-complaints-and-investigations/" ] }, { "id": "hi-disability-rights-center", "category": "oversight", "name": "Hawaii Disability Rights Center", "what_it_can_do": "Hawaii's Protection and Advocacy agency, with federal authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities, a right of access to them, and free legal advocacy.", "who_to_report": "A Hawaii program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line.", "info_url": "https://www.hawaiidisabilityrights.org", "phone": "808-949-2922", "phone_note": "Voice and TTY. Toll-free TTY 1-800-882-1057.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=hawaii" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/hawaii/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "CSA: The civil CSA SOL is age 26 or 3 years from discovery as against perpetrators. The SOL is age 20 or 2 years from discovery as against other defendants.", "Trafficking: The SOL is age 24 for sex trafficking claims.", "CSAM: The SOL is age 26 for CSAM claims." ], "criminal": [ "CSA: There is no SOL for some sexual assault felonies, and an SOL of ages 21 and 24 for other felonies. The SOL for misdemeanors is two years from the offense.", "Trafficking: There is no SOL for sex trafficking felonies.", "CSAM: The SOL for first-degree felony CSAM offenses is age 24, while the SOL for second- and third-degree felony CSAM offenses is age 21." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "Idaho", "abbr": "ID", "slug": "idaho", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "Idaho has a trap worth knowing before you pick up the phone. The child protection division's role is limited to what happens in a family home: where the person who harmed a child does not live with them, as in any residential program, the report is forwarded to law enforcement instead of being investigated by child protection. So for abuse inside a program, the police and the licensing division are the substantive channels, and the hotline is the way in rather than the destination.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "Two years for a personal injury claim, including negligence, and two years for assault, battery or false imprisonment. The clock starts when the harm happens, not when it is discovered. A child physically injured under Idaho's injury-to-a-child law has a longer, separate deadline (see the minors section).", "citation": "Idaho Code § 5-219(4), (5)", "source_url": "https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title5/T5CH2/SECT5-219/" }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "For a child hurt by physical abuse that counts as the crime of injury to a child, the lawsuit can be filed up to 5 years after turning 18, or within 5 years of discovering the abuse and its link to the injury, whichever is later. That claim can also be brought against the abuser's employer. For other injuries, being a minor pauses the two-year clock, but for no more than 6 years.", "citation": "Idaho Code §§ 6-1701(1)(d), (2); 6-1704(1); 5-230", "source_url": "https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title6/T6CH17/SECT6-1704/" }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "A written claim must be filed within 180 days (with the Secretary of State for the state, or the clerk for a county or city), and the lawsuit within 2 years. Minors get until 180 days after turning 18 (or 6 years, whichever is earlier), and child-abuse claims follow the 5-years-after-18 rule. Governments cannot be sued for assault, battery or false imprisonment by employees acting without malice or criminal intent.", "citation": "Idaho Code §§ 6-905, 6-906, 6-906A, 6-911, 6-904(3)", "source_url": "https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title6/T6CH9/SECT6-906A/" }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "Felony injury to a child (causing or permitting a child to suffer physical pain or injury in conditions likely to cause great bodily harm or death) must be charged within 5 years. Misdemeanor injury to a child must be charged within 1 year. The clock is not paused until the child turns 18.", "citation": "Idaho Code §§ 19-402, 19-403(1), 18-1501", "source_url": "https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title19/T19CH4/SECT19-402/" }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "Felony assault or battery (for example aggravated assault or aggravated battery) must be charged within 5 years. Misdemeanor assault or battery must be charged within 1 year.", "citation": "Idaho Code §§ 19-402, 19-403(1)", "source_url": "https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title19/T19CH4/SECT19-402/" } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "id-dopl", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL)", "what_it_can_do": "Houses the boards for professional counselors and marriage and family therapists, psychologist examiners, and social work examiners, and runs a single complaint and investigation process for all of them. Where a formal administrative complaint is filed, an independent administrative law judge holds an evidentiary hearing.", "what_it_cannot_do": "If there is no jurisdiction, or no possible breach of that board's own laws and rules, no case is opened at all.", "who_to_report": "A counselor, marriage and family therapist, psychologist or social worker licensed in Idaho.", "how": "File through the Division's complaint page. It decides first whether there is jurisdiction, then whether to assign an investigator.", "complaint_url": "https://dopl.idaho.gov/filing-a-complaint/", "info_url": "https://dopl.idaho.gov/investigation-and-disciplinary-process/", "phone": "208-334-3233", "email": "dopl@dopl.idaho.gov", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dopl.idaho.gov/filing-a-complaint/", "https://dopl.idaho.gov/investigation-and-disciplinary-process/" ] }, { "id": "id-childrens-residential-licensing", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "Idaho DHW, Children's Residential Licensing", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses children's residential care facilities, children's agencies and children's therapeutic outdoor programs under IDAPA 16.04.18, and investigates complaints against them. Its representatives must be given access to the program, its grounds and its records to investigate a complaint - a real power in an industry that relies on keeping people out.", "what_it_cannot_do": "Idaho exempts a good deal from licensing, including facilities operating as private or religious schools. An exempt program is outside this channel, which is exactly the gap several Idaho programs have operated in.", "who_to_report": "A licensed children's residential care facility or therapeutic outdoor program. If the program claims to be a private or religious school, check whether anybody licenses it at all.", "how": "Call the complaint line or email.", "info_url": "https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/providers/childrens-residential-licensing/childrens-residential-programs", "phone": "1-877-457-2815", "email": "DDARH@dhw.idaho.gov", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/providers/childrens-residential-licensing/childrens-residential-programs" ] }, { "id": "id-child-abuse-hotline", "category": "legal", "name": "Idaho Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline", "what_it_can_do": "Takes reports of child abuse, neglect and abandonment around the clock. Where the person who harmed the child does not live in their home, the report is forwarded to law enforcement - which is the usual position for abuse inside a program.", "who_to_report": "A child at an Idaho program. Idaho Code 16-1605 requires everyone in Idaho to report suspected abuse, neglect or abandonment, with a narrow exception for clergy.", "how": "Call. You do not have to be sure, and you do not have to prove anything first; the Department says to let it or law enforcement decide. Report within 24 hours of becoming aware if you can.", "info_url": "https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/services-programs/children-families-older-adults/child-and-family-services-and-foster-care-3", "phone": "1-855-552-5437", "phone_note": "855-552-KIDS. In the Treasure Valley, 208-334-5437. 24 hours a day.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "note": "Callers may stay anonymous, and the Department says it does not disclose caller information to the family. Reporting in good faith carries immunity from civil liability.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/services-programs/children-families-older-adults/child-and-family-services-and-foster-care-3" ] }, { "id": "id-disability-rights-idaho", "category": "oversight", "name": "DisAbility Rights Idaho", "what_it_can_do": "Idaho's Protection and Advocacy agency, with federal authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities, a right of access to them, and free legal advocacy. In a state where much of the industry sits outside licensing, a P&A investigation may be the only outside look a program ever gets.", "who_to_report": "An Idaho program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line.", "info_url": "https://disabilityrightsidaho.org/", "phone": "1-866-262-3462", "phone_note": "Main line 208-336-5353 voice/TDD.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=idaho" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/idaho/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "The civil SOL for CSA, trafficking, and CSAM claims is age 23 with a 5-year discovery rule against all defendants." ], "criminal": [ "CSA: There is no SOL for rape, sexual abuse, or lewd conduct. For other felonies, the SOL expires 5 years from the offense. For misdemeanors, the SOL is 1 year after the offense.", "Trafficking: The SOL for trafficking is 5 years from the offense for felonies and 1 year from the offense for misdemeanors.", "CSAM: The SOL for CSAM is 5 years from the offense for felonies and 1 year from the offense for misdemeanors." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "Illinois", "abbr": "IL", "slug": "illinois", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "Illinois has a practical shortcut worth knowing: if a facility has broken state licensing standards, you can call the child abuse hotline and say you want to make a licensing complaint. That is the state's own advice, and it saves working out which of the licensing offices covers a program. Every complaint about a licensed clinician, whatever the profession, goes to one intake unit at IDFPR.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "Two years from the injury for personal injury claims, including assault, battery, negligence and false imprisonment. If the person who hurt you was convicted of a Class X or Class 1 felony (or first degree murder) for it, there is no deadline to sue that person.", "citation": "735 ILCS 5/13-202; 735 ILCS 5/13-202.1", "source_url": "https://www.ilga.gov/Documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/073500050K13-202.htm" }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "Yes. If you were under 18 when you were hurt, you have 2 years after your 18th birthday (until age 20) to sue. The statute sets no cap.", "citation": "735 ILCS 5/13-211(a)", "source_url": "https://www.ilga.gov/Documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/073500050K13-211.htm" }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "Against a local government (county, city, school district) or its employees, the lawsuit must be filed within 1 year. Claims against the State of Illinois go to the Court of Claims: file within 2 years (minors have 2 years after turning 18), and file a notice with the Attorney General and the Court of Claims clerk within 1 year unless the claim itself is filed within that year.", "citation": "745 ILCS 10/8-101(a); 705 ILCS 505/22(h); 705 ILCS 505/22-1", "source_url": "https://www.ilga.gov/Documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/074500100K8-101.htm", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "Illinois has no special deadline for physical child abuse: felonies such as aggravated battery of a child or felony child endangerment must be charged within 3 years. The clock is not paused until the child turns 18 for physical abuse.", "citation": "720 ILCS 5/3-5(b); 720 ILCS 5/3-6", "source_url": "https://www.ilga.gov/Documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/072000050K3-5.htm" }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "Felony aggravated battery or aggravated assault must be charged within 3 years. Misdemeanor assault or battery must be charged within 1 year and 6 months.", "citation": "720 ILCS 5/3-5(b); 720 ILCS 5/12-3.05", "source_url": "https://www.ilga.gov/Documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/072000050K3-5.htm" } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "il-idfpr", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses and disciplines professional counselors, clinical social workers, psychologists and marriage and family therapists among more than a hundred professions, and investigates complaints against any of them through one Complaint Intake Unit.", "who_to_report": "Any licensed mental health professional in Illinois. Complaints are accepted from clients, families, colleagues and anybody else.", "how": "File through the Division's complaint page. The licensee is notified of the allegations in writing once it is logged.", "complaint_url": "https://idfpr.illinois.gov/admin/dpr/dprcomplaint.html", "info_url": "https://idfpr.illinois.gov/admin/complaints.html", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://idfpr.illinois.gov/admin/dpr/dprcomplaint.html", "https://idfpr.illinois.gov/admin/complaints.html" ] }, { "id": "il-dcfs-licensing", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "Illinois DCFS Licensing", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses child care and child welfare facilities in Illinois against state licensing standards, and investigates complaints that a facility has breached them.", "who_to_report": "A facility you believe has broken licensing standards - staffing, supervision, conditions, how children are treated.", "how": "Complain to the local DCFS Licensing Office, or call the Child Abuse Hotline and say you want to make a licensing complaint. Complaints can be made by post, email, fax or in person.", "complaint_url": "https://sunshine.dcfs.illinois.gov/Content/Licensing/Daycare/FileComplaint.aspx", "phone": "1-800-252-2873", "phone_note": "The Child Abuse Hotline also takes licensing complaints - say that is what you are calling about.", "anonymous": "allowed", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://sunshine.dcfs.illinois.gov/Content/Licensing/Daycare/FileComplaint.aspx" ] }, { "id": "il-dcfs-hotline", "category": "legal", "name": "Illinois DCFS Child Abuse Hotline", "what_it_can_do": "The statewide 24-hour line for reporting a child harmed or at risk of harm through abuse or neglect, and the route into a DCFS investigation.", "who_to_report": "A child at an Illinois program.", "how": "Call, at any hour.", "info_url": "https://dcfs.illinois.gov/safe-kids/reporting.html", "phone": "1-800-252-2873", "phone_note": "1-800-25-ABUSE. 24 hours a day.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dcfs.illinois.gov/safe-kids/reporting.html" ] }, { "id": "il-equip-for-equality", "category": "oversight", "name": "Equip for Equality", "what_it_can_do": "Illinois's Protection and Advocacy agency, with federal authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities, a right of access to them, and free legal advocacy.", "who_to_report": "An Illinois program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line.", "info_url": "https://www.equipforequality.org", "phone": "1-800-537-2632", "phone_note": "Main line 312-341-0022; TTD 1-800-610-2779.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=illinois" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/illinois/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "There is no civil SOL for CSA, trafficking, or CSAM claims against any defendants." ], "criminal": [ "CSA: There is no SOL for felony and misdemeanor sex offenses committed against children.", "Trafficking: The SOL for trafficking is age 43.", "CSAM: There is no SOL for creating child pornography. Lesser CSAM offenses have an SOL of age 19 or 3 years from the offense, whichever is later." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "Indiana", "abbr": "IN", "slug": "indiana", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "Indiana is the state where a complaint about a therapist does not start at the licensing board at all. It goes to the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division, which reviews it and only then takes it to the relevant board asking for action against the licence. Indiana also protects reporters unusually firmly: state law requires the Department of Child Services to keep the identity of anyone reporting abuse confidential.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "Two years from the injury for any personal injury claim, including assault, battery, false imprisonment and negligence.", "citation": "Ind. Code § 34-11-2-4(a)", "source_url": "https://codes.findlaw.com/in/title-34-civil-law-and-procedure/in-code-sect-34-11-2-4.html" }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "Yes. A person who was under 18 when hurt has 2 years after turning 18 (until age 20) to sue. The statute sets no cap.", "citation": "Ind. Code § 34-11-6-1; § 1-1-4-5(a)(24)", "source_url": "https://codes.findlaw.com/in/title-34-civil-law-and-procedure/in-code-sect-34-11-6-1.html" }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "Before suing, written notice is required: within 270 days of the injury for the State (to the Attorney General or the agency), or within 180 days for a county, city, school or other local body. The lawsuit itself follows the normal two-year deadline.", "citation": "Ind. Code §§ 34-13-3-6(a), 34-13-3-8(a), 34-13-3-9", "source_url": "https://codes.findlaw.com/in/title-34-civil-law-and-procedure/in-code-sect-34-13-3-6.html", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "Most felony child abuse (battery on a child, or neglect of a dependent, which includes cruel confinement or restraining a child with handcuffs, rope or tape) must be charged within 5 years. The most serious grades (Level 1 or 2 felonies, such as neglect causing death or catastrophic injury to a child under 14, or battery causing death of a child under 14) can be charged at any time. The clock is not paused until the child turns 18.", "citation": "Ind. Code § 35-41-4-2(a)(1), (c), (h); § 35-46-1-4; § 35-42-2-1", "source_url": "https://codes.findlaw.com/in/title-35-criminal-law-and-procedure/in-code-sect-35-41-4-2.html" }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "Felony battery (Level 3 to 6) must be charged within 5 years; Level 1 and 2 felonies have no limit. Misdemeanor battery must be charged within 2 years.", "citation": "Ind. Code § 35-41-4-2(a); § 35-42-2-1", "source_url": "https://codes.findlaw.com/in/title-35-criminal-law-and-procedure/in-code-sect-35-41-4-2.html" } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "in-attorney-general-licensing-complaints", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "Indiana Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division (licensing complaints)", "what_it_can_do": "Takes complaints from the public against licensed professionals, reviews them first, and where it finds merit brings the case to the relevant board - the Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board, or the Psychology Board - seeking action against the licence.", "who_to_report": "A licensed social worker, marriage and family therapist, mental health counselor, clinical addiction counselor or psychologist in Indiana.", "how": "Obtain the complaint form from the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division and file it there, not with the licensing agency.", "complaint_url": "https://www.in.gov/attorneygeneral/consumer-protection-division/licensing/", "info_url": "https://www.in.gov/pla/licensure-discipline/report-a-professional", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.in.gov/pla/licensure-discipline/report-a-professional", "https://www.in.gov/attorneygeneral/consumer-protection-division/licensing/" ] }, { "id": "in-child-abuse-hotline", "category": "legal", "name": "Indiana Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline", "what_it_can_do": "The statewide 24-hour report line run by the Department of Child Services. It also connects families with no open case to free home-based services.", "who_to_report": "A child at an Indiana program.", "how": "Call, at any hour including weekends and holidays. If every line is busy, there is a second number. Press option 2 instead if you want a referral to local support rather than to make a report.", "info_url": "https://www.in.gov/dcs/hotline/", "phone": "1-800-800-5556", "phone_note": "24 hours a day. If the lines are down, 1-833-800-5556.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "note": "You can report anonymously, and even if you give your name, Indiana law requires the Department to keep the identity and contact details of every report source confidential.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.in.gov/dcs/hotline/" ] }, { "id": "in-dcs-ombudsman", "category": "oversight", "name": "Indiana DCS Ombudsman Bureau", "what_it_can_do": "Takes complaints about the Department of Child Services itself - how it handled a case, or failed to.", "what_it_cannot_do": "It reviews the agency, not the program.", "who_to_report": "A family or young person whose report to DCS went nowhere.", "info_url": "https://www.in.gov/dcs/hotline/", "phone": "1-877-682-0101", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.in.gov/dcs/hotline/" ] }, { "id": "in-indiana-disability-rights", "category": "oversight", "name": "Indiana Disability Rights", "what_it_can_do": "Indiana's Protection and Advocacy agency, with federal authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities, a right of access to them, and free legal advocacy.", "who_to_report": "An Indiana program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line.", "info_url": "https://www.in.gov/idr/", "phone": "1-800-622-4845", "phone_note": "Main line 317-722-5555 voice/TDD.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=indiana" ] }, { "id": "in-dcs-residential-licensing", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "Indiana DCS Residential Licensing Unit", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses child caring institutions, private secure facilities, group homes and emergency shelters in Indiana. Its Residential Licensing Unit reviews every institutional report of alleged child abuse or neglect connected to a licensed facility - including reports that were screened out - to decide whether the facility broke its licence or its contract.", "who_to_report": "A DCS-licensed residential facility. The Indiana Department of Health separately runs at least annual unannounced health, food and sanitation surveys of these same facilities.", "how": "An institutional report goes in through the child abuse hotline; the Residential Licensing Unit picks it up from there.", "info_url": "https://www.in.gov/dcs/overview/policies/child-welfare-policies/chapter-17-residential-licensing/", "phone": "1-800-800-5556", "phone_note": "The child abuse hotline is the intake route for institutional reports.", "anonymous": "allowed", "note": "That the Unit reviews even screened-out reports matters: a report that child protection declines to investigate can still count against the facility's licence.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.in.gov/dcs/overview/policies/child-welfare-policies/chapter-17-residential-licensing/", "https://www.in.gov/health/cshcr/home-and-community-based-care/department-of-child-services-residential-facility-compliance/" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/indiana/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "The SOL for CSA, trafficking, and CSAM civil claims is age 20 against all defendants, or a period of time from discovery, elimination of dependency status, or criminal conviction." ], "criminal": [ "CSA: There is no SOL for Class A felony rape. The SOL for other offenses varies from age 31, to 10 years after the offense, or 4 years after the victim ceases to be a dependent of the perpetrator.", "Trafficking: There is no SOL for felony child sex trafficking.", "CSAM: The SOL for CSAM violations is 10 years from the offense or 4 years after the victim ceases to be a dependent of the perpetrator, whichever is later." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "Iowa", "abbr": "IA", "slug": "iowa", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "Iowa runs a separate number for abuse suspected inside a licensed facility or program, distinct from the general child abuse hotline - use it if what happened was inside a program. Iowa also folded its Board of Psychology into the Board of Behavioral Health Professionals in 2024, so one board now covers psychologists along with counselors and social workers. And the Iowa Office of Ombudsman covers both the licensing boards and Health and Human Services, which makes it the escalation route when either one stalls.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "Two years from the injury for any personal injury claim, including assault, battery, false imprisonment and negligence.", "citation": "Iowa Code § 614.1(2)", "source_url": "https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/614.1.pdf" }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "Yes. As of July 1, 2026, someone injured as a child has until five years after turning 18 (age 23) to sue. Before that change the extension was only one year after turning 18. It also applies to claims against the state and local governments.", "citation": "Iowa Code § 614.8(2), as amended by 2026 Iowa Acts, HF 1036, § 5 (effective July 1, 2026)", "source_url": "https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGE/91/HF1036.pdf", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "Against the State of Iowa, a written claim must be filed with the Department of Management within two years; the State cannot be sued for assault, battery or false imprisonment. Against a city, county or school district, the lawsuit must be filed within two years of the injury. Minors get the extension described above in both cases.", "citation": "Iowa Code §§ 669.13(1), 669.14(4), 670.5", "source_url": "https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/669.13.pdf" }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "Felony child endangerment against a child under 18 (causing bodily injury, serious injury or death) can be charged at any time; there is no deadline. Misdemeanor child endangerment must be charged within 3 years.", "citation": "Iowa Code § 802.2B(6); § 726.6(5)-(7); § 802.3", "source_url": "https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/802.2B.pdf", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "Felony assault (for example, assault causing serious injury) must be charged within 3 years. Iowa uses the same 3 years for aggravated and serious misdemeanor assault; simple misdemeanor assault must be charged within 1 year.", "citation": "Iowa Code §§ 802.3, 802.4, 708.2", "source_url": "https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/802.3.pdf" } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "ia-behavioral-health-professionals-board", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "Iowa Board of Behavioral Health Professionals", "what_it_can_do": "Receives and investigates complaints against mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, social workers, behavior analysts and - since the boards merged under 2024 Iowa Acts SF 2385 - psychologists, and disciplines their licences. Iowa publishes its discipline documents.", "who_to_report": "Any licensed behavioral health professional in Iowa. Anyone may file: a patient, a family member, anyone else.", "how": "File through the Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing complaints page, which routes it to the right board.", "complaint_url": "https://dial.iowa.gov/i-need/complaints", "info_url": "https://dial.iowa.gov/about-dial/boards/behavioral-health", "anonymous": "unknown", "note": "Iowa law keeps the complainant's information confidential.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dial.iowa.gov/i-need/complaints", "https://dial.iowa.gov/about-dial/boards/behavioral-health" ] }, { "id": "ia-facility-abuse-reporting", "category": "legal", "name": "Iowa reporting of abuse in a licensed facility", "what_it_can_do": "The route Iowa gives for abuse suspected inside a licensed facility or program, separate from the general child abuse hotline.", "who_to_report": "A young person abused inside an Iowa licensed facility or program.", "how": "Call the facility line rather than the general hotline.", "info_url": "https://hhs.iowa.gov/contacts/child-or-dependent-adult-abuse-reporting", "phone": "1-877-686-0027", "phone_note": "For abuse suspected in a licensed facility or program.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://hhs.iowa.gov/contacts/child-or-dependent-adult-abuse-reporting" ] }, { "id": "ia-child-abuse-hotline", "category": "legal", "name": "Iowa Child Abuse Hotline", "what_it_can_do": "The statewide confidential 24-hour line taking reports of suspected abuse of children and dependent adults. The Child Protective Services intake unit screens them.", "who_to_report": "A child at an Iowa program.", "how": "Call. Have identifying details and the child's whereabouts ready.", "complaint_url": "https://hhs.iowa.gov/contacts/child-or-dependent-adult-abuse-reporting", "phone": "1-800-362-2178", "phone_note": "24 hours a day, seven days a week.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "note": "You may stay anonymous unless you are reporting as a mandatory reporter, in which case you have to leave your name and contact details.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://hhs.iowa.gov/contacts/child-or-dependent-adult-abuse-reporting" ] }, { "id": "ia-office-of-ombudsman", "category": "oversight", "name": "Iowa Office of Ombudsman", "what_it_can_do": "An independent office that reviews complaints about state agencies, and it names both the professional licensing boards and the Department of Health and Human Services among the bodies it covers. The route when a licensing complaint or an abuse report has gone nowhere.", "what_it_cannot_do": "It examines how an agency handled something rather than disciplining a clinician or a program itself.", "who_to_report": "Somebody who has already complained to an Iowa board or to HHS and got no response they can make sense of.", "info_url": "https://ombudsman.iowa.gov/services/for-the-public/what-the-iowa-office-of-ombudsman-can-do/2/professional-licensing-boards", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://ombudsman.iowa.gov/services/for-the-public/what-the-iowa-office-of-ombudsman-can-do/2/professional-licensing-boards", "https://ombudsman.iowa.gov/services/for-the-public/what-the-iowa-office-of-ombudsman-can-do/2/department-of-human-services" ] }, { "id": "ia-disability-rights-iowa", "category": "oversight", "name": "Disability Rights Iowa", "what_it_can_do": "Iowa's Protection and Advocacy agency, with federal authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities, a right of access to them, and free legal advocacy.", "who_to_report": "An Iowa program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line.", "info_url": "https://disabilityrightsiowa.org/", "phone": "1-800-779-2502", "phone_note": "Main line 515-278-2502; TDD 515-278-0571.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=iowa" ] }, { "id": "ia-hhs-facility-licensing", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "Iowa HHS facility licensing and certification", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses and certifies Iowa's residential facilities and programs for children, and takes the complaints about abuse inside them through its dedicated facility reporting line.", "who_to_report": "A licensed Iowa facility or program.", "how": "Use the facility abuse line for abuse inside a licensed program, and the Department's contacts page for anything else.", "info_url": "https://hhs.iowa.gov/contacts/child-or-dependent-adult-abuse-reporting", "phone": "1-877-686-0027", "phone_note": "For abuse suspected in a licensed facility or program.", "anonymous": "allowed", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://hhs.iowa.gov/contacts/child-or-dependent-adult-abuse-reporting" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/iowa/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "The civil SOL for CSA, trafficking, and CSAM claims is age 19 against all defendants, with some limited rules for abuse by a counselor, instructor, or school employee, and a discovery rule of 2 to 4 years." ], "criminal": [ "There is no SOL for all CSA, trafficking, and CSAM felonies and misdemeanors." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "Kansas", "abbr": "KS", "slug": "kansas", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "Kansas splits the work usefully: the Department for Children and Families investigates abuse or neglect alleged to have happened in a childcare or residential care facility, and it is required to pass any investigation involving a licensed facility straight to the Department of Health and Environment, which holds the licence. So one call to the Protection Report Center reaches both the investigation and the licensor.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "Only one year for assault, battery or false imprisonment. Two years for negligence and other injury claims, starting when the injury is substantial or reasonably discoverable, but never more than 10 years after the act.", "citation": "K.S.A. 60-514(b) (intentional torts); K.S.A. 60-513(a)(4), (b) (negligence)", "source_url": "https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch60/060_005_0014.html" }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "Yes, but briefly. Someone injured as a child gets one year after turning 18 to sue, and in no case more than 8 years after the act that caused the injury.", "citation": "K.S.A. 60-515(a)", "source_url": "https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch60/060_005_0015.html", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "Before suing a Kansas city, county, school district or other municipality, a written notice of claim must be filed with its clerk or governing body; you then wait for denial or 120 days. The lawsuit must still be filed within the normal deadline (1 or 2 years), with at least 90 days after denial.", "citation": "K.S.A. 12-105b(d)", "source_url": "https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch12/012_001_0005b.html", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "Abuse of a child (torturing, cruelly beating, cruel corporal punishment, or cruel physical restraint such as caging or binding a child under 18) must be charged within 5 years. The clock does not run while the crime is concealed, and in some child cases it can be extended until the victim turns 28.", "citation": "K.S.A. 21-5107(d), (e); K.S.A. 21-5602", "source_url": "https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch21/021_051_0007.html" }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "Aggravated assault and aggravated battery must be charged within 5 years. Kansas uses the same 5 years for misdemeanor assault and battery.", "citation": "K.S.A. 21-5107(d); K.S.A. 21-5412; K.S.A. 21-5413", "source_url": "https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch21/021_051_0007.html" } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "ks-behavioral-sciences-regulatory-board", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board", "what_it_can_do": "Regulates psychologists, social workers, professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, addiction counselors and behavior analysts, and disciplines their licences. Every complaint gets a case number, and once the Board decides to investigate, the licensee is told what is alleged.", "what_it_cannot_do": "It says plainly that it does not represent individuals and does not obtain compensation on anyone's behalf.", "who_to_report": "Any licensed behavioral health professional in Kansas - one board covers all of them.", "how": "Complete the Board's Report of Alleged Violation. All complaints must be in writing.", "complaint_url": "https://www.ksbsrb.ks.gov/complaints/complaint-faqs", "info_url": "https://www.ksbsrb.ks.gov/about-us/contact-ksbsrb", "mail": "Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board, Eisenhower State Office Building, 700 SW Harrison St, Ste 420, Topeka, KS 66603-3817", "anonymous": "not-allowed", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ksbsrb.ks.gov/complaints/complaint-faqs", "https://www.ksbsrb.ks.gov/about-us/contact-ksbsrb" ] }, { "id": "ks-kdhe-child-care-licensing", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "Kansas Department of Health and Environment, child care licensing", "what_it_can_do": "Administers the Kansas child care licensing law and issues the licences. Where there is a regulatory concern it is required to carry out an on-site complaint survey to check whether the facility complies.", "who_to_report": "A licensed Kansas facility, where the problem is a regulatory breach.", "how": "File through the Department's complaint page, or call its complaint hotline.", "complaint_url": "https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/381/File-a-Complaint", "info_url": "https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/625/Complaint-Hotline", "anonymous": "unknown", "note": "A regulatory complaint forces an on-site survey; that is the practical value of using this channel alongside the abuse report.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/381/File-a-Complaint", "https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/625/Complaint-Hotline" ] }, { "id": "ks-protection-report-center", "category": "legal", "name": "Kansas Protection Report Center", "what_it_can_do": "Takes reports of abuse, neglect and exploitation of children and adults. The Department for Children and Families receives, investigates and assesses allegations of abuse or neglect said to have happened in a childcare or residential care facility, and must promptly report any investigation involving a licensed facility to the Department of Health and Environment.", "who_to_report": "A child at a Kansas program.", "how": "Call, or report online. Lines are staffed around the clock.", "complaint_url": "https://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/pps/pages/kips/kipswebintake.aspx", "info_url": "https://www.dcf.ks.gov/Pages/Report-Abuse-or-Neglect.aspx", "phone": "1-800-922-5330", "phone_note": "24 hours a day.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "note": "Kansas says every call is taken seriously and every effort is made to protect the caller's identity.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.dcf.ks.gov/Pages/Report-Abuse-or-Neglect.aspx", "https://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/pps/pages/kips/kipswebintake.aspx" ] }, { "id": "ks-disability-rights-center-kansas", "category": "oversight", "name": "Disability Rights Center of Kansas", "what_it_can_do": "Kansas's Protection and Advocacy agency, with federal authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities, a right of access to them, and free legal advocacy.", "who_to_report": "A Kansas program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line.", "info_url": "https://drckansas.org/", "phone": "1-877-776-1541", "phone_note": "Main line 785-273-9661.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=kansas" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/kansas/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "The civil SOL for CSA, trafficking, and CSAM civil claims against all defendants is the later of age 31 or 3 years from criminal conviction, with revival up to these age and conviction time limits." ], "criminal": [ "CSA: There is no criminal SOL for most CSA felonies, an SOL of age 28 for other sexually violent felonies, and an SOL of 5 years from the offense for any remaining felonies and misdemeanors, with a limited DNA rule.", "Trafficking: There is no criminal SOL for most Trafficking felonies, including aggravated human trafficking.", "CSAM: There is no criminal SOL for most CSAM felonies, including internet trading in child pornography." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "Kentucky", "abbr": "KY", "slug": "kentucky", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "Kentucky's hotline is answered by people around the clock, but its online reporting form is only monitored on weekdays between 8am and 4:30pm Eastern - so an urgent report at a weekend has to be a phone call, not a form. Its counseling board is unusually clear about what happens next: it acknowledges a written complaint within two business days, sends a copy to the counselor for a response, and puts both in front of the board at its next meeting.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "One year from the injury for a personal injury claim, whether it is assault, battery or negligence. This is one of the shortest deadlines in the country.", "citation": "KRS 413.140(1)(a)", "source_url": "https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=58050" }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "Yes. For someone injured as a child, the one year starts on the 18th birthday, so the deadline is the 19th birthday. There is no cap. This does NOT apply to claims against the state through the Board of Claims.", "citation": "KRS 413.170(1)", "source_url": "https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=17873" }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "Injury claims against the Commonwealth go to the Board of Claims and must be filed within one year of discovering the injury, and never more than two years after the act. Being a minor does NOT extend this: a parent or guardian must file within the same deadline.", "citation": "KRS 49.120(1), (3), (5)", "source_url": "https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=51461" }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "Kentucky has no time limit for any felony. Felony criminal abuse or neglect of a child (serious injury, torture, cruel confinement or cruel punishment) and felony assault on a child can be charged at any time. Misdemeanor abuse must be charged within 1 year.", "citation": "KRS 500.050(1)-(2); KRS 508.100-508.120", "source_url": "https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=50742" }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "No time limit for felony assault (first, second or third degree). Misdemeanor assault (fourth degree) must be charged within 1 year.", "citation": "KRS 500.050(1)-(2); KRS 508.010-508.030", "source_url": "https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=50742" } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "ky-licensed-professional-counselors-board", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Professional counselor", "name": "Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors", "what_it_can_do": "Takes complaints that a counselor has breached Kentucky's statutes or regulations, and disciplines the licence.", "who_to_report": "A licensed professional counselor in Kentucky.", "how": "Send a written complaint to the Board. It must be in writing and signed by whoever is making it.", "complaint_url": "https://lpc.ky.gov/Documents/DPL-LPC-11-%20Complaint%20with%20instructions%20CLEAN.pdf", "info_url": "https://lpc.ky.gov/", "phone": "502-782-8803", "email": "LPC@KY.GOV", "mail": "Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors, 500 Mero Street 2SC32, Frankfort, KY 40601", "anonymous": "not-allowed", "note": "The Board acknowledges a written complaint within two business days, sends the counselor a copy and asks for a response, then puts your complaint and their answer to the board at its next scheduled meeting.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://lpc.ky.gov/Documents/DPL-LPC-11-%20Complaint%20with%20instructions%20CLEAN.pdf" ] }, { "id": "ky-social-work-board", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Social worker", "name": "Kentucky Board of Social Work", "what_it_can_do": "Takes complaints that a social worker has breached Kentucky's statutes or regulations, and disciplines the licence.", "who_to_report": "A licensed social worker in Kentucky.", "how": "Use the Board's online complaint form.", "complaint_url": "https://secure.kentucky.gov/formservices/BSW/ComplaintForm", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://secure.kentucky.gov/formservices/BSW/ComplaintForm" ] }, { "id": "ky-psychology-board", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Psychologist", "name": "Kentucky Board of Examiners of Psychology", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses and disciplines psychologists in Kentucky.", "who_to_report": "A licensed psychologist.", "how": "Contact the Board for its complaint process.", "phone": "502-782-8812", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://lpc.ky.gov/Documents/DPL-LPC-11-%20Complaint%20with%20instructions%20CLEAN.pdf" ] }, { "id": "ky-child-abuse-hotline", "category": "legal", "name": "Kentucky child abuse and neglect hotline", "what_it_can_do": "The statutory report line for child abuse, neglect and dependency, run by the Department for Community Based Services, which investigates through its regional offices covering all 120 counties.", "who_to_report": "A child at a Kentucky program.", "how": "Call. Staff answer 24 hours a day including weekends and holidays. There is an online form as well, but it is only monitored 8am to 4:30pm Eastern on weekdays, so use the phone if it is urgent or out of hours.", "info_url": "https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dcbs/dpp/cpb/Pages/default.aspx", "phone": "1-877-597-2331", "phone_note": "877-KYSAFE1. Answered 24 hours a day, every day.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dcbs/dpp/cpb/Pages/default.aspx", "https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dcbs/Pages/default.aspx" ] }, { "id": "ky-protection-and-advocacy", "category": "oversight", "name": "Kentucky Protection and Advocacy", "what_it_can_do": "Kentucky's federally mandated P&A, with authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities, a right of access to them, and free legal advocacy.", "who_to_report": "A Kentucky program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line.", "info_url": "https://www.kypa.net/", "phone": "1-800-372-2988", "phone_note": "Main line 502-564-2967.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=kentucky" ] }, { "id": "ky-division-regulated-child-care", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "Kentucky Division of Regulated Child Care (DRCC)", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses and investigates complaints against residential child caring facilities and child placing agencies in Kentucky, as well as child care centres. It also takes reports of child care operating without approval at all.", "who_to_report": "A residential child caring facility, or a program you believe is operating unapproved.", "how": "Call the DRCC call centre or email it.", "info_url": "https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/os/oig/drcc/Pages/Home.aspx", "phone": "502-564-7962", "email": "CHFSOIGRCCCallCenter@ky.gov", "anonymous": "allowed", "note": "DRCC says its staff will not give the provider the name of whoever reported them during an investigation.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/os/oig/drcc/Pages/Home.aspx" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/kentucky/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "The civil SOL for CSA, trafficking, and CSAM claims in Kentucky is age 28 against all defendants, with 10-year discovery and criminal conviction rules." ], "criminal": [ "CSA: There is no SOL for CSA felonies, and the SOL for misdemeanor sex offenses is age 28.", "Trafficking: There is no SOL for trafficking felonies, and the SOL for misdemeanor trafficking offenses is age 28.", "CSAM: There is no SOL for CSAM felonies, and the SOL for misdemeanor CSAM offenses is age 28." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "Louisiana", "abbr": "LA", "slug": "louisiana", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "Louisiana's child protection hotline explicitly covers abuse and neglect inside licensed residential and treatment facilities, not only in family homes, so it is the right call for something that happened in a program. Its counseling board, by contrast, will not accept an anonymous complaint at all unless the documents you send with it plainly show a breach of law on their own.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "Two years from the day of the injury for a delictual (tort) claim, including battery, false imprisonment and negligence, for injuries on or after July 1, 2024. Injuries before July 1, 2024 fell under the old one-year period. Injuries from a crime of violence also have two years.", "citation": "La. Civ. Code art. 3493.1; La. Civ. Code art. 3493.3", "source_url": "https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=1386443" }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "Louisiana does not pause the clock for children in general: prescription runs against minors, so a parent or guardian must sue within the normal period. But a claim for physical abuse of a minor that caused permanent impairment, permanent physical injury or scarring never expires, and neither does a claim against someone convicted of a crime against the child.", "citation": "La. R.S. 9:2800.9(A); La. Civ. Code art. 3468", "source_url": "https://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=107288" }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "Louisiana has no general advance notice-of-claim requirement for suits against the state or local governments; the normal two-year delictual period applies, but service on the government defendant must be requested within 90 days of filing suit or the suit can be dismissed.", "citation": "La. R.S. 13:5107(D)", "source_url": "https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=77935", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "Cruelty to juveniles: four years (six years if the child was eight or younger, or for second degree cruelty causing serious injury). When the victim was under 18, the clock does not start until the victim turns 18.", "citation": "La. C.Cr.P. arts. 572, 573(3); La. R.S. 14:93, 14:93.2.3", "source_url": "https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/LawPrint.aspx?d=112623", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "Four years for aggravated battery and other felonies not necessarily punished at hard labor; six years for felonies that must be punished at hard labor. Misdemeanor assault or battery: two years.", "citation": "La. C.Cr.P. art. 572(A); La. R.S. 14:34", "source_url": "https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=112622", "uncertain": true } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "la-lpc-board", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners", "what_it_can_do": "Receives complaints against licensed professional counselors, provisional licensed professional counselors, and licensed and provisional marriage and family therapists, and disciplines their licences through its Disciplinary Committee.", "who_to_report": "An LPC, PLPC, LMFT or PLMFT in Louisiana.", "how": "Use the Board's online complaint form. Include your contact details.", "complaint_url": "https://www.lpcboard.org/file-complaint", "info_url": "https://www.lpcboard.org/page/75", "anonymous": "not-allowed", "note": "Anonymous complaints are not accepted unless the documentation you provide clearly shows a violation of law by itself. The administrator first checks whether the person is within the Board's jurisdiction at all.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.lpcboard.org/file-complaint", "https://www.lpcboard.org/page/75" ] }, { "id": "la-psychology-board", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Psychologist", "name": "Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses and disciplines psychologists in Louisiana, and exists in statute to protect the public from unauthorised, unqualified and improper practice of psychology.", "who_to_report": "A licensed psychologist in Louisiana, or somebody practising psychology without authorisation.", "how": "Submit a complaint through the Board's portal.", "complaint_url": "https://www.lsbepportal.com/file-complaint", "info_url": "https://lsbep.org/", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.lsbepportal.com/file-complaint", "https://lsbep.org/" ] }, { "id": "la-child-protection-hotline", "category": "legal", "name": "Louisiana Child Protection Hotline", "what_it_can_do": "The statutory report line, run by the Department of Children and Family Services, which is mandated to receive and investigate reports of child abuse and neglect - including abuse or neglect occurring in licensed DCFS or Department of Health residential and treatment facilities.", "who_to_report": "A child at a Louisiana program, including abuse, neglect, sexual abuse and juvenile sex trafficking.", "how": "Call. It is open every hour of every day of the year, and all calls are confidential.", "complaint_url": "https://dcfs.louisiana.gov/child-welfare/reporting-child-abuse-neglect/", "info_url": "https://dcfs.louisiana.gov/child-welfare/reporting-child-abuse-neglect/", "phone": "1-855-452-5437", "phone_note": "855-4LA-KIDS. 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dcfs.louisiana.gov/child-welfare/reporting-child-abuse-neglect/", "https://dcfs.louisiana.gov/child-welfare/reporting-child-abuse-neglect/" ] }, { "id": "la-disability-rights-louisiana", "category": "oversight", "name": "Disability Rights Louisiana", "what_it_can_do": "Louisiana's Protection and Advocacy agency, with federal authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities, a right of access to them, and free legal advocacy.", "who_to_report": "A Louisiana program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line.", "info_url": "https://disabilityrightsla.org/", "phone": "1-800-960-7705", "phone_note": "Main line 504-522-2337 voice/TDD.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=louisiana" ] }, { "id": "la-residential-licensing", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "Louisiana DCFS Licensing Section (Residential Care)", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses child residential facilities and child placing agencies in Louisiana and enforces the Child Care Facilities and Child Placing Agencies Licensing Act. It has revoked licences and sought injunctions against unlicensed providers.", "who_to_report": "A child residential facility. Louisiana defines a complaint broadly: any allegation that someone is breaching the standards, or acting or failing to act in a way that harms the health, safety, rights or welfare of a child living there.", "how": "Contact the Licensing Section. It aims to inspect every residential licensing complaint within 30 days.", "info_url": "https://dcfs.louisiana.gov/division-of-management-finance/residential-care-and-special-population-licensing/", "phone": "225-342-4350", "phone_note": "Licensing staff, 8:00am to 4:30pm weekdays except legal holidays.", "anonymous": "unknown", "note": "Louisiana publishes a list of every currently licensed facility, so it is worth checking whether a program holds a licence at all.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dcfs.louisiana.gov/division-of-management-finance/residential-care-and-special-population-licensing/", "https://dcfs.louisiana.gov/division-of-management-finance/dcfs-licensed-facilities-5-23/" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/louisiana/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "Louisiana has no civil SOL for CSA, trafficking, or CSAM claims against all defendants. A 3-year revival window is open until June 14, 2027 for all previously expired claims against any type of defendant." ], "criminal": [ "CSA: There is no SOL for aggravated and forcible rape, an SOL of age 48 for other felonies, and an SOL of 2 years from the offense for certain misdemeanors, with a limited DNA rule.", "Trafficking: The SOL for trafficking is age 48.", "CSAM: The SOL for CSAM violations is age 48." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "Maine", "abbr": "ME", "slug": "maine", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "Maine runs one number for two different jobs: 1-800-452-1999 takes reports of suspected child abuse and it takes licensing concerns about a children's residential facility, because the same Office of Child and Family Services unit licenses and investigates them. Maine also has an independent Child Welfare Ombudsman, outside the department, for when the department itself is the problem.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "Six years from the injury, for assault, battery, false imprisonment and negligence alike.", "citation": "14 M.R.S. § 752", "source_url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec752.html" }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "For someone injured as a child, the six years start when they turn 18, so the deadline is normally the 24th birthday. There is no separate longer deadline for non-sexual physical abuse of a child.", "citation": "14 M.R.S. § 853", "source_url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec853.html" }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "Under the Maine Tort Claims Act, written notice must be filed within 365 days, and suit within 2 years; if the claimant was a minor, suit may be brought within 2 years after turning 18.", "citation": "14 M.R.S. §§ 8107, 8110", "source_url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec8110.html" }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "Maine has no separate physical child abuse crime; it is charged as assault or endangering the welfare of a child. Six years for Class A, B or C crimes (such as assault on a child under 6, or aggravated assault) and three years for Class D or E crimes (such as simple assault or endangering the welfare of a child), counted from the crime, with no delay until the child turns 18.", "citation": "17-A M.R.S. § 8(2); 17-A M.R.S. §§ 207, 554", "source_url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/17-A/title17-Asec8.html" }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "Aggravated assault (Class A or B): six years from the crime. Simple assault (Class D): three years.", "citation": "17-A M.R.S. § 8(2); 17-A M.R.S. § 208", "source_url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/17-A/title17-Asec8.html" } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "me-professional-licensing-boards", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation", "what_it_can_do": "Houses the Board of Counseling Professionals Licensure, the Board of Examiners of Psychologists and the State Board of Social Worker Licensure, and takes complaints against all of them through one form. Complaints, investigations and legal negotiations are handled by the Office's own investigators and attorneys.", "who_to_report": "A licensed counselor, psychologist or social worker in Maine.", "how": "File through the Office's online complaint form.", "complaint_url": "https://me.accessgov.com/pfr/Forms/Page/pfr-opor/oporcomplaint/0", "info_url": "https://www.maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing/professions/board-of-counseling-professionals-licensure", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing/professions/board-of-counseling-professionals-licensure" ] }, { "id": "me-childrens-licensing-investigation", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "Maine OCFS, Children's Licensing and Investigation Unit", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses and oversees every children's residential facility in Maine, including shelters, along with child placing agencies and child care providers, and investigates complaints against them.", "who_to_report": "A children's residential facility - licensing violations as well as suspected abuse or neglect inside one.", "how": "Call the same number used for child abuse reports and say it is a licensing concern about a facility.", "info_url": "https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/provider-resources/reporting-suspected-child-abuse-and-neglect", "phone": "1-800-452-1999", "phone_note": "24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays.", "anonymous": "allowed", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/provider-resources/reporting-suspected-child-abuse-and-neglect" ] }, { "id": "me-child-abuse-intake", "category": "legal", "name": "Maine OCFS Intake (child abuse and neglect)", "what_it_can_do": "The statutory report line for suspected child abuse and neglect in Maine, staffed around the clock including holidays.", "who_to_report": "A child at a Maine program.", "how": "Call.", "info_url": "https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/provider-resources/reporting-suspected-child-abuse-and-neglect", "phone": "1-800-452-1999", "phone_note": "24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/provider-resources/reporting-suspected-child-abuse-and-neglect" ] }, { "id": "me-child-welfare-ombudsman", "category": "oversight", "name": "Maine Child Welfare Ombudsman", "what_it_can_do": "An independent office, outside the Department of Health and Human Services, that takes complaints about how the Department is handling a child's case.", "what_it_cannot_do": "It reviews the Department's conduct rather than licensing or prosecuting a program.", "who_to_report": "A family or young person who believes the Department has mishandled a child's case, including after a report was made.", "how": "Submit a complaint through the office's site, or call.", "complaint_url": "https://cwombudsman.org/submit-a-complaint/", "info_url": "https://cwombudsman.org/", "phone": "1-866-621-0758", "phone_note": "Also 207-213-4773.", "email": "ombudsman@cwombudsman.org", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://cwombudsman.org/" ] }, { "id": "me-disability-rights-maine", "category": "oversight", "name": "Disability Rights Maine", "what_it_can_do": "Maine's Protection and Advocacy agency, with federal authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities, a right of access to them, and free legal advocacy.", "who_to_report": "A Maine program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line.", "info_url": "https://drme.org", "phone": "1-800-452-1948", "phone_note": "Voice and TTY. Main line 207-626-2774.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=maine" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/maine/maine-child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "There is no civil SOL for CSA, trafficking, and CSAM claims, and all claims against all defendants are permanently revived." ], "criminal": [ "CSA: There is no SOL for certain CSA crimes, an SOL of either 6 or 20 years from the offense for remaining felonies, and an SOL of 3 years from the offense for misdemeanors.", "Trafficking: There is no SOL for trafficking.", "CSAM: There is no SOL for CSAM violations that include intentionally subjecting the victim to sexual contact. Remaining CSAM offenses have an SOL of either 3 or 6 years, depending on the seriousness of the crime." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "Maryland", "abbr": "MD", "slug": "maryland", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "Maryland reports abuse to the local department of social services or to local police rather than to a single statewide intake, though 1-800-91-PREVENT will take the call. It also licenses Residential Child Care programs as their own category through the Department of Human Services. One useful piece of Maryland law: since October 2016, where a local department believes a mandated reporter knowingly failed to report, it must file a complaint with that reporter's own licensing board.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "Three years from the injury for battery, false imprisonment and negligence. A claim for assault alone (a threat without physical contact) has only one year.", "citation": "Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. §§ 5-101, 5-105", "source_url": "https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcj§ion=5-101&enactments=false" }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "For someone injured as a child, the clock starts at 18: three years for battery or negligence (so by the 21st birthday), and one year for assault alone. There is no longer deadline for non-sexual physical abuse of a child.", "citation": "Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-201", "source_url": "https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcj§ion=5-201&enactments=false" }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "Against the State: a written claim to the State Treasurer within 1 year of the injury, and suit within 3 years. Against a county or city: written notice within 1 year of the injury under the Local Government Tort Claims Act.", "citation": "Md. Code, State Gov't § 12-106; Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-304", "source_url": "https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gsg§ion=12-106&enactments=false" }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "No time limit. Child abuse by a parent, household member or anyone with care or custody of a minor is a felony in Maryland, and Maryland has no statute of limitations for felonies.", "citation": "Md. Code, Crim. Law § 3-601; Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-106(a)", "source_url": "https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcr§ion=3-601&enactments=false", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "No time limit for first degree assault, a felony. Second degree assault is a misdemeanor; ordinary misdemeanors must be charged within one year, but Maryland exempts misdemeanors that can be punished with a penitentiary sentence, and whether second degree assault falls under that exemption is not settled here.", "citation": "Md. Code, Crim. Law §§ 3-202, 3-203; Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-106(a)", "source_url": "https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcj§ion=5-106&enactments=false", "uncertain": true } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "md-counselors-therapists-board", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses and disciplines professional counselors and therapists, including marriage and family therapists and alcohol and drug counselors. Where the Board votes to investigate, it assigns its own investigator, and a thorough investigation has to come before any charge against a licensee.", "what_it_cannot_do": "It says many financial and interpersonal issues fall outside its jurisdiction because no breach of the Professional Counselors Act is involved. It cannot help you sue for money or settle a fee dispute.", "who_to_report": "A licensed counselor or therapist in Maryland. Psychologists and social workers have separate boards.", "how": "File through the Board's complaint gateway. Complaints are taken from patients, family members and any other member of the public.", "complaint_url": "https://mdbpct-complaints.thtspn.com/Complaint/begin.aspx", "info_url": "https://health.maryland.gov/bopc/pages/publicorders.aspx", "email": "mdh.bopctcompliance@maryland.gov", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://mdbpct-complaints.thtspn.com/Complaint/begin.aspx", "https://health.maryland.gov/bopc/pages/publicorders.aspx" ] }, { "id": "md-psychology-board", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Psychologist", "name": "Maryland Board of Examiners of Psychologists", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses and disciplines psychologists and registered psychology associates in Maryland.", "who_to_report": "A licensed psychologist or registered psychology associate.", "how": "Complete the Board's complaint form - there are separate written instructions for filling it in - and send it to the Board.", "complaint_url": "https://health.maryland.gov/psych/Pages/complaint.aspx", "phone": "410-764-4787", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://health.maryland.gov/psych/Pages/complaint.aspx" ] }, { "id": "md-residential-child-care", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "Maryland DHS, Licensing and Monitoring (Residential Child Care)", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses and monitors Residential Child Care programs in Maryland as a distinct category, and takes complaints about them.", "who_to_report": "A licensed residential child care program.", "how": "Contact the Department of Human Services.", "info_url": "https://dhs.maryland.gov/residential-child-care/", "phone": "1-800-332-6347", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dhs.maryland.gov/residential-child-care/", "https://dhs.maryland.gov/business-center/documents/licensing-and-monitoring/" ] }, { "id": "md-child-abuse-reporting", "category": "legal", "name": "Maryland child abuse and neglect reporting", "what_it_can_do": "Starts a child protective services investigation. Reports go to the local department of social services for the county the child is in, or to local law enforcement.", "who_to_report": "A child at a Maryland program.", "how": "Call the local department of social services, or 1-800-91-PREVENT, or 911 in an emergency. Report orally straight away; a mandated reporter must also file a written report within 48 hours.", "complaint_url": "https://dhs.maryland.gov/child-protective-services/reporting-suspected-child-abuse-or-neglect/local-offices/", "info_url": "https://dhs.maryland.gov/child-protective-services/reporting-suspected-child-abuse-or-neglect/", "phone": "1-800-917-7383", "phone_note": "1-800-91-PREVENT.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dhs.maryland.gov/child-protective-services/reporting-suspected-child-abuse-or-neglect/", "https://dhs.maryland.gov/child-protective-services/reporting-suspected-child-abuse-or-neglect/mandated-reporters/" ] }, { "id": "md-disability-rights-maryland", "category": "oversight", "name": "Disability Rights Maryland", "what_it_can_do": "Maryland's Protection and Advocacy agency, with federal authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities, a right of access to them, and free legal advocacy.", "who_to_report": "A Maryland program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line.", "info_url": "https://disabilityrightsmd.org/", "phone": "1-800-233-7201", "phone_note": "Main line 410-727-6352; TTY 410-235-5387.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=maryland" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/maryland/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "There is no SOL for CSA, trafficking, and CSAM claims, and all claims against all defendants are permanently revived." ], "criminal": [ "There is no criminal SOL for any felonies or misdemeanors under common law, including all CSA, trafficking, and CSAM crimes." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "Massachusetts", "abbr": "MA", "slug": "massachusetts", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "Massachusetts calls a child abuse report a 51A, after the section of law that creates it, and you will hear that shorthand from every agency in the state. The Department of Early Education and Care licenses the residential and congregate care programs themselves, which is not where most people would think to look, and the state also has an independent Office of the Child Advocate covering every child-serving agency.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "Three years from when the claim arises, for assault, battery, false imprisonment and negligence alike (all are tort actions).", "citation": "Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 260, § 2A", "source_url": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleV/Chapter260/Section2A" }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "If the injured person was a minor, the three years start when they turn 18, so the deadline is normally the 21st birthday. There is no separate longer deadline for non-sexual physical abuse of a child.", "citation": "Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 260, § 7", "source_url": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleV/Chapter260/Section7" }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "Against a public employer, a written claim must be presented within two years (to the Attorney General for the state, or the mayor, city manager or similar official for a city or town), and suit must be filed within three years; public employers are not liable for intentional torts like assault and battery under this act.", "citation": "Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 258, § 4", "source_url": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleIV/Chapter258/Section4" }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "Assault and battery on a child causing injury: six years from the crime. Wanton or reckless conduct that puts a child at substantial risk of serious bodily injury (ch. 265, § 13L) has no time limit, though a case filed more than 27 years later needs corroborating evidence.", "citation": "Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 277, § 63; ch. 265, §§ 13J, 13L", "source_url": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleII/Chapter277/Section63", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "Six years from the crime for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery causing serious injury, and most other assaults. Simple (misdemeanor) assault and battery: also six years.", "citation": "Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 277, § 63", "source_url": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleII/Chapter277/Section63", "uncertain": true } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "ma-occupational-licensure-boards", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure, Office of Investigations", "what_it_can_do": "Investigates complaints against licensed mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychiatric nurse mental health specialists, psychologists and social workers, and the boards discipline those who breach the licensing regulations.", "who_to_report": "Any of those licence types in Massachusetts.", "how": "File through the Commonwealth's ePLACE portal, or call or write the Office of Investigations and ask for a complaint form. File a separate complaint for each person or facility.", "complaint_url": "https://www.mass.gov/how-to/file-a-complaint-against-an-occupational-board-licensee", "info_url": "https://www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-registration-of-allied-mental-health-and-human-services-professions", "phone": "617-624-6199", "phone_note": "Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professions, 9am to 5pm weekdays.", "email": "amh.board@mass.gov", "anonymous": "unknown", "note": "Be specific: location, date, the licensee's name and licence number, any witnesses, and copies of records, correspondence or photographs that support what you are saying.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-registration-of-allied-mental-health-and-human-services-professions", "https://www.mass.gov/how-to/file-a-complaint-against-an-occupational-board-licensee" ] }, { "id": "ma-early-education-care-licensing", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC)", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses the residential facilities and congregate care programs themselves, along with foster care and adoption placement agencies - around 9,000 programs in all - and takes complaints about them.", "who_to_report": "The residential program. EEC also takes reports of care being provided without a licence at all.", "how": "Call the EEC regional office for the area the program is in. There is a separate online form for reporting unlicensed care.", "complaint_url": "https://eeclead.my.site.com/eeclead/s/reportunlicensedcare", "info_url": "https://www.mass.gov/info-details/child-welfare-information", "anonymous": "unknown", "note": "If the complaint involves suspected abuse or neglect rather than a licensing breach, EEC tells you to file a 51A with DCF first.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.mass.gov/info-details/oca-resource-guide-child-serving-state-agencies", "https://eeclead.my.site.com/eeclead/s/reportunlicensedcare" ] }, { "id": "ma-dcf-child-at-risk-hotline", "category": "legal", "name": "Massachusetts Child-at-Risk Hotline (51A report)", "what_it_can_do": "The 24-hour line for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect to the Department of Children and Families. A report here is what Massachusetts calls a 51A.", "who_to_report": "A child at a Massachusetts program.", "how": "Call the hotline. Every other agency in the state will tell you to do this first where abuse or neglect is alleged.", "info_url": "https://www.mass.gov/info-details/reporting-alleged-child-abuse-or-neglect-filing-a-51a-report", "phone": "1-800-792-5200", "phone_note": "24 hours a day.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.mass.gov/info-details/reporting-alleged-child-abuse-or-neglect-filing-a-51a-report", "https://www.mass.gov/child-abuse-and-neglect" ] }, { "id": "ma-office-child-advocate", "category": "oversight", "name": "Massachusetts Office of the Child Advocate", "what_it_can_do": "An independent office overseeing every child-serving state agency in Massachusetts. It publishes a resource guide naming which agency does what, and takes concerns about how the system has handled a child.", "what_it_cannot_do": "It reviews the agencies rather than licensing or prosecuting a program.", "who_to_report": "A family or young person who has reported to a Massachusetts agency and got nowhere.", "info_url": "https://www.mass.gov/info-details/oca-resource-guide-child-serving-state-agencies", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.mass.gov/info-details/oca-resource-guide-child-serving-state-agencies" ] }, { "id": "ma-disability-law-center", "category": "oversight", "name": "Disability Law Center (Massachusetts)", "what_it_can_do": "Massachusetts's Protection and Advocacy agency, with federal authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities, a right of access to them, and free legal advocacy.", "who_to_report": "A Massachusetts program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line.", "info_url": "https://www.dlc-ma.org/", "phone": "1-800-872-9992", "phone_note": "Main line 617-723-8455; TTY 617-892-4404.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=massachusetts" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/massachusetts/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "The SOL for civil CSA, trafficking, and CSAM claims against any defendant is age 53, with revival up to age 53 against perpetrators only, and a revival 7-year discovery rule against all defendants." ], "criminal": [ "CSA: There is no SOL for many sex abuse felonies and an SOL of 6 years from the offense for all remaining felonies and misdemeanors.", "Trafficking: There is no SOL for trafficking.", "CSAM: The SOL for CSAM offenses is age 22." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "Michigan", "abbr": "MI", "slug": "michigan", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "Michigan puts abuse in a child caring institution through the same centralised intake line as any other child abuse report, and its own guidance says a child can make that call themselves. Reports are then passed to whoever should investigate - law enforcement, or the licensing bureau. Licensing the facility and licensing the therapist are separate departments: MDHHS for the institution, LARA for the clinician.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "Two years from the injury for assault, battery or false imprisonment; three years for negligence and other personal injury claims.", "citation": "Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.5805(2), (3)", "source_url": "https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-600-5805" }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "If the injured person was under 18 when the claim arose, they have until one year after turning 18 (their 19th birthday) to sue, even if the normal period has run; if the normal period ends later, that later date applies.", "citation": "Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.5851(1)", "source_url": "https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-600-5851" }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "For a personal-injury claim against the State of Michigan, a written claim or notice of intent must be filed with the Court of Claims clerk within 6 months of the event.", "citation": "Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.6431(1), (4)", "source_url": "https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-600-6431", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "Six years from the crime for child abuse in any degree. The clock does not wait until the child turns 18.", "citation": "Mich. Comp. Laws § 767.24(10); Mich. Comp. Laws § 750.136b", "source_url": "https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-767-24", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "Six years from the crime for felonious assault and assault with intent to do great bodily harm; ten years for assault with intent to commit murder. Misdemeanor assault and battery also appears to fall under the six-year catch-all.", "citation": "Mich. Comp. Laws § 767.24(6), (10)", "source_url": "https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-767-24", "uncertain": true } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "mi-bureau-professional-licensing", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "Michigan LARA, Bureau of Professional Licensing", "what_it_can_do": "Takes complaints against counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychologists, social workers and other health professionals, assigns an investigator, gathers documents and interviews the professional complained about.", "what_it_cannot_do": "If the documents and interviews do not establish a violation, the investigation ends and the file is closed.", "who_to_report": "Any licensed mental health professional in Michigan. Anyone can file.", "how": "Complete the Bureau's complaint form and send it in. It asks whether any civil action or police report is pending, and whether you would be willing to testify at an administrative hearing.", "complaint_url": "https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bpl/complaint", "info_url": "https://www.michigan.gov/lara/i-need-to/make-a-complaint-about-a-licensed-professional-or-business", "phone": "1-800-882-6006", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bpl/complaint", "https://www.michigan.gov/lara/i-need-to/make-a-complaint-about-a-licensed-professional-or-business" ] }, { "id": "mi-child-welfare-licensing", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "Michigan MDHHS, Division of Child Welfare Licensing", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses child caring institutions, children's foster homes and child placing agencies in Michigan, and investigates licensing complaints against them.", "who_to_report": "The facility - how it is run, staffed and supervised, as distinct from a specific allegation of abuse, which goes to centralised intake.", "how": "Use the Division's online complaint form, or its complaint page.", "complaint_url": "https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/doing-business/licensing/child-welfare/complaints", "info_url": "https://www.michigan.gov/en/mdhhs/doing-business/licensing/child-welfare/Child-Placing/contact-us/online-complaint-form-division-of-child-welfare-licensing", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/doing-business/licensing/child-welfare/complaints" ] }, { "id": "mi-centralized-intake", "category": "legal", "name": "Michigan Centralized Intake for Abuse and Neglect", "what_it_can_do": "The statewide 24-hour line for abuse or neglect of any child or adult, including abuse of a child in a child caring institution, a juvenile court operated facility or a children's foster home. Reports are passed to whoever should investigate - law enforcement, or the licensing bureau.", "who_to_report": "A child at a Michigan program. Michigan says explicitly that anyone can report, including a child.", "how": "Call, at any hour.", "info_url": "https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/adult-child-serv/abuse-neglect/childrens/report-process", "phone": "1-855-444-3911", "phone_note": "24 hours a day, every day.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/adult-child-serv/abuse-neglect/childrens/report-process", "https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/adult-child-serv/abuse-neglect" ] }, { "id": "mi-disability-rights-michigan", "category": "oversight", "name": "Disability Rights Michigan", "what_it_can_do": "Michigan's Protection and Advocacy agency, with federal authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities, a right of access to them, and free legal advocacy.", "who_to_report": "A Michigan program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line.", "info_url": "https://drmich.org/", "phone": "1-800-288-5923", "phone_note": "Main line 517-487-1755; TTY 517-374-4687.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=michigan" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/michigan/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "CSA: The civil SOL for CSA claims is age 28 with a 3-year discovery rule.", "Trafficking: the civil SOL for trafficking claims is age 28.", "CSAM: The civil SOL for CSAM claims is age 19." ], "criminal": [ "CSA: There is no SOL for first degree criminal sexual conduct, while the SOL is either age 21, 25, or 28 for other crimes, with a DNA rule.", "Trafficking: There is no SOL for trafficking.", "CSAM: The SOL for CSAM is the later of 10 years from the offense or age 21." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "Minnesota", "abbr": "MN", "slug": "minnesota", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "Minnesota keeps a separate board for each profession, so check which licence the person holds before you file. Two things are worth knowing. Any person may voluntarily report a child who is being abused, or who has been abused in the past three years - that lookback is stated in the state's own guidance. And a maltreatment investigation by the Office of Health Facility Complaints ends in a narrative report that is shared with law enforcement, prosecutors and the licensing boards of everyone involved, so one report can reach several places at once.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "Two years from the injury for assault, battery or false imprisonment. Negligence claims (for example, a program's negligent supervision) have six years.", "citation": "Minn. Stat. § 541.07(1); Minn. Stat. § 541.05, subd. 1(5)", "source_url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/541.07", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "The clock is paused while the injured person is under 18, but the extra time is capped at one year after turning 18. In practice a child's claim must be filed by the later of the normal deadline or the 19th birthday.", "citation": "Minn. Stat. § 541.15(a)(1)", "source_url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/541.15", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "Written notice of the claim must be given within 180 days after the injury is discovered: to the attorney general for claims against the state, or to the city or county governing body for claims against a municipality.", "citation": "Minn. Stat. § 3.736, subd. 5; Minn. Stat. § 466.05, subd. 1", "source_url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/3.736" }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "Three years from the crime for malicious punishment of a child, child endangerment, or assault on a child. The clock does not wait until the child turns 18.", "citation": "Minn. Stat. § 628.26(l); Minn. Stat. § 609.377", "source_url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/628.26" }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "Three years from the crime for felony assault (first through third degree) and for misdemeanor assault.", "citation": "Minn. Stat. § 628.26(l)", "source_url": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/628.26" } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "mn-behavioral-health-therapy-board", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses and disciplines professional counselors and alcohol and drug counselors in Minnesota. Its reach covers licensees, temporary permit holders, applicants, and people practising without a licence or claiming to hold one of its licences.", "what_it_cannot_do": "It does not licence every mental health profession. Psychologists, social workers and marriage and family therapists each have their own board.", "who_to_report": "A licensed professional counselor or alcohol and drug counselor, or somebody claiming to be one.", "how": "Download the Board's complaint form and complete it. Complaints must be in writing, and can go by post, email or fax.", "complaint_url": "https://mn.gov/boards/behavioral-health/public-information/filingacomplaint.jsp", "info_url": "https://mn.gov/boards/behavioral-health/public-information/complaints-discipline.jsp", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://mn.gov/boards/behavioral-health/public-information/filingacomplaint.jsp", "https://mn.gov/boards/behavioral-health/public-information/complaints-discipline.jsp" ] }, { "id": "mn-psychology-board", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Psychologist", "name": "Minnesota Board of Psychology", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses and disciplines psychologists in Minnesota.", "who_to_report": "A licensed psychologist.", "how": "File through the Board's complaints page.", "complaint_url": "https://mn.gov/boards/psychology/public/complaints/index.jsp", "phone": "612-617-2230", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://mn.gov/boards/psychology/public/complaints/index.jsp" ] }, { "id": "mn-marriage-family-therapy-board", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Marriage and family therapist", "name": "Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses and disciplines marriage and family therapists in Minnesota.", "who_to_report": "A licensed marriage and family therapist.", "how": "File through the Board's complaints page.", "complaint_url": "https://mn.gov/boards/marriage-and-family/consumer-info/complaints/", "phone": "612-617-2220", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://mn.gov/boards/marriage-and-family/consumer-info/complaints/" ] }, { "id": "mn-social-work-board", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Social worker", "name": "Minnesota Board of Social Work", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses and disciplines social workers in Minnesota.", "who_to_report": "A licensed social worker.", "how": "Contact the Board for its complaint process.", "phone": "612-617-2100", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://mn.gov/boards/behavioral-health/public-information/filingacomplaint.jsp" ] }, { "id": "mn-office-health-facility-complaints", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "Minnesota Office of Health Facility Complaints (OHFC)", "what_it_can_do": "The Department of Health's lead investigative agency under the Maltreatment of Minors Act as well as the Vulnerable Adults Act. It investigates complaints against facilities the Department licenses and produces a narrative report finding maltreatment substantiated, inconclusive or unsubstantiated.", "who_to_report": "A facility licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health.", "how": "File a complaint against the facility through the Office's complaint page.", "complaint_url": "https://www.health.state.mn.us/facilities/regulation/ohfc/filecomp.html", "info_url": "https://www.health.state.mn.us/facilities/regulation/ohfc/compinvt.html", "anonymous": "unknown", "note": "Its finished report is shared with law enforcement, medical examiners, criminal prosecutors and the licensing boards of everyone involved in the incident. One report can therefore reach several channels without you filing again.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.health.state.mn.us/facilities/regulation/ohfc/filecomp.html", "https://www.health.state.mn.us/facilities/regulation/ohfc/compinvt.html" ] }, { "id": "mn-child-protection-reporting", "category": "legal", "name": "Minnesota child maltreatment reporting", "what_it_can_do": "Starts a child protection response. Reports go to the child protection agency in the county or Tribal Nation where the child lives, and intake screeners decide the response path.", "who_to_report": "A child at a Minnesota program. Any person may report voluntarily if they know or suspect a child is being abused or neglected, or has been in the past three years.", "how": "Contact the county or Tribal Nation child protection agency. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911. Mandated reporters must report within 24 hours and follow up in writing within 72.", "complaint_url": "https://dcyf.mn.gov/individuals-and-families/report-abuse", "info_url": "https://mn.gov/dhs/report-abuse/", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dcyf.mn.gov/individuals-and-families/report-abuse", "https://mn.gov/dhs/report-abuse/" ] }, { "id": "mn-disability-law-center", "category": "oversight", "name": "Minnesota Disability Law Center", "what_it_can_do": "Minnesota's Protection and Advocacy agency, with federal authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities, a right of access to them, and free legal advocacy.", "who_to_report": "A Minnesota program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line.", "info_url": "https://mylegalaid.org/disability-law-center/", "phone": "1-800-292-4150", "phone_note": "Main line 612-334-5970.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=minnesota" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/minnesota/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "CSA: There is no civil SOL for CSA claims against any defendant.", "Trafficking: There is no civil SOL for trafficking claims that fall under the CSA statute. Remaining trafficking claims have an SOL of age 24 under the general personal injury SOL.", "CSAM: The civil SOL is age 24 for CSAM claims." ], "criminal": [ "CSA: In Minnesota, there is no SOL for criminal sexual conduct and prostitution. The SOL for other felonies and misdemeanors is 3 years from the offense.", "Trafficking: There is no SOL for sex trafficking.", "CSAM: The SOL for CSAM violations is 3 years from the offense." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "Mississippi", "abbr": "MS", "slug": "mississippi", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "Mississippi sets the highest bar of any state here for complaining about a clinician: the complaint must be written, signed under oath and notarised, on the Board's own form, and it must name the specific statute or rule you say was broken and the dates of what happened. Anonymous complaints are not investigated at all. Worth preparing properly rather than sending something that will be returned.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "Only one year from the injury for assault, battery or false imprisonment. Negligence and other personal injury claims have three years.", "citation": "Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-35; Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-49", "source_url": "https://law.justia.com/codes/mississippi/title-15/chapter-1/section-15-1-35/" }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "The clock does not start until the injured person is no longer a minor, and in Mississippi a minor is anyone under 21 for this purpose. So an assault or battery claim can be brought until the 22nd birthday, and a negligence claim until the 24th. There is no longer deadline for non-sexual physical abuse of a child.", "citation": "Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-59; Miss. Code Ann. § 1-3-27", "source_url": "https://law.justia.com/codes/mississippi/title-15/chapter-1/section-15-1-59/", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "Under the Mississippi Tort Claims Act, suit must be filed within one year of the conduct, and a written notice of claim must be served on the government's chief executive officer at least 90 days before suing; minors get the year after their disability ends.", "citation": "Miss. Code Ann. § 11-46-11", "source_url": "https://law.justia.com/codes/mississippi/title-11/chapter-46/section-11-46-11/" }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "No time limit for felonious abuse or battery of a child. Misdemeanor child abuse or neglect must be charged within two years.", "citation": "Miss. Code Ann. § 99-1-5(1)(a); Miss. Code Ann. § 97-5-39(2)", "source_url": "https://law.justia.com/codes/mississippi/title-99/chapter-1/section-99-1-5/" }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "No time limit for aggravated assault. Simple assault and other offenses not listed: two years.", "citation": "Miss. Code Ann. § 99-1-5", "source_url": "https://law.justia.com/codes/mississippi/title-99/chapter-1/section-99-1-5/" } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "ms-social-work-mft-board", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses and disciplines social workers and marriage and family therapists in Mississippi, and publishes its disciplinary actions. Any person, firm, corporation, board member or public officer may complain.", "what_it_cannot_do": "It will not investigate an anonymous complaint, and it will only formally address one that arrives in writing on its form.", "who_to_report": "A licensed social worker or marriage and family therapist in Mississippi.", "how": "Use the Board's official complaint form. It must be in writing, signed under oath and notarised, must specify the statute or rule allegedly violated, and must set out the acts or omissions and the dates they happened. Post the completed notarised form to the Board.", "complaint_url": "https://www.swmft.ms.gov/complaints", "info_url": "https://www.swmft.ms.gov/disciplinary-actions", "mail": "MSBOESWMFT, P.O. Box 4508, Jackson, MS 39296-4508", "anonymous": "not-allowed", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.swmft.ms.gov/complaints", "https://www.swmft.ms.gov/disciplinary-actions" ] }, { "id": "ms-child-abuse-hotline", "category": "legal", "name": "Mississippi Child Abuse Hotline", "what_it_can_do": "The statewide 24-hour report line run by the Department of Child Protection Services, for abuse, neglect, exploitation and human trafficking. Staff of residential care facilities and group homes licensed by the Department count as persons responsible for the care of children, so their conduct falls squarely within what this line takes.", "who_to_report": "A child at a Mississippi program.", "how": "Call the hotline, or report online through the Department's site.", "complaint_url": "https://www.mdcps.ms.gov/programs/reporting-child-abuse-and-neglect", "info_url": "https://www.mdcps.ms.gov/programs/child-abuse-prevention/legal-definitions-reporting-abuse-and-neglect", "phone": "1-800-222-8000", "phone_note": "24 hours a day, seven days a week.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.mdcps.ms.gov/programs/reporting-child-abuse-and-neglect", "https://www.mdcps.ms.gov/programs/child-abuse-prevention/legal-definitions-reporting-abuse-and-neglect" ] }, { "id": "ms-child-care-licensure-complaints", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "Mississippi State Department of Health, Child Care Facilities Licensure", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses child care facilities in Mississippi and runs a dedicated licensure complaint line, separate from the child abuse hotline.", "who_to_report": "A licensed facility, where the issue is a licensing breach rather than abuse.", "how": "Call the licensure complaint hotline.", "phone": "1-866-489-8734", "phone_note": "Child Care Facilities Licensure complaint line, toll free.", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://msdh.ms.gov/page/resources/799.pdf" ] }, { "id": "ms-disability-rights-mississippi", "category": "oversight", "name": "Disability Rights Mississippi", "what_it_can_do": "Mississippi's Protection and Advocacy agency, with federal authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities, a right of access to them, and free legal advocacy.", "who_to_report": "A Mississippi program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line.", "info_url": "http://www.drms.ms/", "phone": "1-800-772-4057", "phone_note": "Main line 601-968-0600 voice/TDD.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=mississippi" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/mississippi/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "The civil SOL for CSA, trafficking, and CSAM claims is age 24 against all defendants, with a discovery rule." ], "criminal": [ "CSA: In Mississippi, there is no SOL for many CSA felonies and an SOL of 5 years for sexual battery or fondling of a vulnerable person. For the remaining felonies and misdemeanors, the SOL is 2 years after the offense.", "Trafficking: There is no SOL for trafficking.", "CSAM: There is no SOL for CSAM offenses." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "Missouri", "abbr": "MO", "slug": "missouri", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "Missouri matters to this industry for a particular reason: for decades religious residential facilities operated here entirely outside licensing. HB 557, signed in July 2021, did not licence them, but it did require every license-exempt facility to register with the state and to run background checks on everyone with access to children. So a Missouri program may be licensed, registered-but-exempt, or operating in breach of the notification law - and which one it is changes who you report to.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "Two years from the injury for assault, battery or false imprisonment. Negligence and other personal injury claims have five years.", "citation": "Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.140; Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.120(4)", "source_url": "https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=516.140" }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "If the injured person was under 21 when the claim arose, the normal period starts when they turn 21: assault or battery by the 23rd birthday, negligence by the 26th. There is no longer deadline for non-sexual physical abuse of a child.", "citation": "Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.170", "source_url": "https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=516.170" }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "Missouri keeps sovereign immunity for the state and local governments except for injuries from vehicle operation and dangerous property conditions, so most abuse claims cannot be brought against the government entity itself; no general notice-of-claim statute was found.", "citation": "Mo. Rev. Stat. § 537.600", "source_url": "https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=537.600", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "Abuse or neglect of a child is usually a class D felony, which must be charged within three years of the crime; if it caused serious physical or emotional injury (class B), also three years. If the child died (class A), there is no limit. The clock does not wait until the child turns 18.", "citation": "Mo. Rev. Stat. § 556.036(1), (2)(1); Mo. Rev. Stat. § 568.060", "source_url": "https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=556.036" }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "Three years from the crime for felony assault (first degree class B, second degree). No limit for first degree assault that inflicts great bodily harm or targets a 'special victim' (class A). Misdemeanor assault: one year.", "citation": "Mo. Rev. Stat. § 556.036; Mo. Rev. Stat. §§ 565.050, 565.052", "source_url": "https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=556.036" } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "mo-professional-registration", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "Missouri Division of Professional Registration", "what_it_can_do": "Houses the separate committees that license psychologists, professional counselors, social workers and physicians, and investigates complaints about them. Each committee can discipline the licence it issued.", "who_to_report": "Any licensed clinician in Missouri. One form covers all of them; the committee it goes to depends on the licence.", "how": "All the committees use the same complaint form, number 375-0195. Download it, fill it in, and send it to the committee that issued the licence.", "complaint_url": "https://pr.mo.gov/boards/375-0195.pdf", "info_url": "https://pr.mo.gov/counselors.asp", "phone": "573-751-0018", "phone_note": "Professional Counselors. Psychologists 573-751-0099; Social Workers 573-751-0885; Healing Arts, for physicians and psychiatrists, 573-751-0098.", "email": "profcounselor@pr.mo.gov", "mail": "Division of Professional Registration, P.O. Box 1335, Jefferson City, MO 65102-1335", "anonymous": "unknown", "note": "Each committee publishes its own disciplinary actions, so you can check whether a name has come up before.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://pr.mo.gov/counselors.asp", "https://pr.mo.gov/psychologists.asp", "https://pr.mo.gov/socialworkers.asp" ] }, { "id": "mo-childrens-division-licensing", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "Missouri Children's Division, residential licensing", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses residential care facilities and child placing agencies for children and youth, runs the background check requirements, and holds the register of license-exempt facilities. Unless the law specifically exempts them, private agencies providing residential treatment for children must be licensed by the Division.", "what_it_cannot_do": "It does not licence the exempt facilities, only record that they exist. An exempt program is still bound by the background check rules in 13 CSR 35-71.015 and by the duty to notify the Division that it is operating.", "who_to_report": "The facility. A program that never told the Division it exists is itself a violation worth reporting.", "how": "Contact the Children's Division. Its residential licensing pages set out what a licensed and a license-exempt facility each have to do.", "info_url": "https://dss.mo.gov/provider-services/children/residential-program", "phone": "1-855-373-4636", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dss.mo.gov/provider-services/children/residential-program" ] }, { "id": "mo-child-abuse-hotline", "category": "legal", "name": "Missouri Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline", "what_it_can_do": "The statutory report line for child abuse and neglect in Missouri, staffed around the clock. A report starts a Children's Division response and can bring in law enforcement.", "who_to_report": "A child at a Missouri program right now.", "how": "Call the hotline, or use the Online System for Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting (OSCR).", "complaint_url": "https://apps.dss.mo.gov/OnlineCanReporting/default.aspx", "info_url": "https://dss.mo.gov/cd/keeping-kids-safe/can", "phone": "1-800-392-3738", "phone_note": "24 hours a day, every day. Relay Missouri 1-800-735-2466 voice, 1-800-735-2966 text.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dss.mo.gov/cd/keeping-kids-safe/can" ] }, { "id": "mo-medicaid-fraud-patient-abuse", "category": "legal", "name": "Missouri Attorney General, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit", "what_it_can_do": "Investigates and prosecutes abuse and neglect of residents in Medicaid-funded facilities, alongside Medicaid provider fraud.", "who_to_report": "A Medicaid-funded Missouri program where a young person was abused or neglected.", "how": "Call the toll-free line, use the online resident abuse complaint form, email or write.", "complaint_url": "https://ago.mo.gov/divisions/medicaid-fraud/resident-patient-abuse-neglect-or-exploitation-complaint/", "info_url": "https://ago.mo.gov/healthcare-fraud-patient-abuse/", "phone": "1-800-286-3932", "email": "attorney.general@ago.mo.gov", "mail": "Missouri Attorney General's Office, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, P.O. Box 899, Jefferson City, MO 65102", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://ago.mo.gov/divisions/medicaid-fraud/resident-patient-abuse-neglect-or-exploitation-complaint/", "https://ago.mo.gov/healthcare-fraud-patient-abuse/" ] }, { "id": "mo-protection-advocacy", "category": "oversight", "name": "Missouri Protection and Advocacy Services", "what_it_can_do": "Missouri's federally mandated P&A. Authority to investigate abuse and neglect where a person with a disability receives services, with a right of access to the facility, plus free legal advocacy.", "who_to_report": "A Missouri program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line.", "info_url": "https://www.moadvocacy.org/", "phone": "1-800-392-8667", "phone_note": "Main line 573-893-3333; TDD 1-800-735-2966.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=missouri" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/missouri/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "The civil SOL for CSA, trafficking, and CSAM claims is age 31 against perpetrators, and age twenty-six against other defendants, with a discovery rule." ], "criminal": [ "CSA: There is no SOL for felony and misdemeanor CSA offenses.", "Trafficking: There is no SOL for trafficking.", "CSAM: There is no SOL for CSAM violations." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "Montana", "abbr": "MT", "slug": "montana", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "Montana licenses these programs under their own category - Private Alternative Adolescent Residential or Outdoor Programs - so there is a regulator whose job is specifically this industry. Oversight moved in 2019: the legislature dissolved the old PAARP board at the Department of Labor and gave licensing to DPHHS, which has since revoked a program's licence outright. Complaints to the Licensure Bureau are always anonymous, and the corrective actions it imposes are published.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "Two years from the injury for assault, battery or false imprisonment. Negligence and other personal injury claims have three years.", "citation": "Mont. Code Ann. § 27-2-204(1), (3)", "source_url": "https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0270/chapter_0020/part_0020/section_0040/0270-0020-0020-0040.html" }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "The time while the injured person is a minor does not count, so the clock starts at 18: assault or battery claims by the 20th birthday, negligence claims by the 21st. There is no longer deadline for non-sexual physical abuse of a child.", "citation": "Mont. Code Ann. § 27-2-401(1)", "source_url": "https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0270/chapter_0020/part_0040/section_0010/0270-0020-0040-0010.html" }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "A claim against the State must first be presented in writing to the Department of Administration, which has 120 days to decide (the deadline to sue pauses for those 120 days); claims against a county or city are filed with its clerk. The ordinary 2- or 3-year periods still apply.", "citation": "Mont. Code Ann. § 2-9-301", "source_url": "https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0020/chapter_0090/part_0030/section_0010/0020-0090-0030-0010.html", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "Five years from the crime for felony assault on a minor (victim under 14, offender an adult) or other felony child abuse. Misdemeanor child endangerment: one year. The clock does not wait until the child turns 18.", "citation": "Mont. Code Ann. § 45-1-205(2); Mont. Code Ann. § 45-5-212", "source_url": "https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0450/chapter_0010/part_0020/section_0050/0450-0010-0020-0050.html" }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "Five years from the crime for aggravated assault or any other felony. Misdemeanor assault: one year.", "citation": "Mont. Code Ann. § 45-1-205(2)", "source_url": "https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0450/chapter_0010/part_0020/section_0050/0450-0010-0020-0050.html" } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "mt-behavioral-health-boards", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "Montana Board of Behavioral Health (Department of Labor and Industry)", "what_it_can_do": "The Department and its licensing boards take action against unprofessional, incompetent or unlawful practice, up to discipline of the licence. The Board of Behavioral Health covers mental health counselors, licensed professional counselors, addiction counselors and social workers; psychologists have their own board, and the same complaint route serves both.", "what_it_cannot_do": "To bring formal charges the Department needs evidence in the form of a document or a statement - a complaint with nothing behind it will not get far.", "who_to_report": "Anyone holding a Montana behavioral health or psychology licence. The Department's licence search shows current status and any disciplinary history.", "how": "Use the online licence complaint form. There is a downloadable paper form as an alternative, and an FAQ written for complainants rather than licensees.", "complaint_url": "https://dli.cliogrow.com/intake/f446463111629815b4d3bcc4f48fcefd", "info_url": "https://bsd.dli.mt.gov/filing-complaint", "phone": "406-444-6880", "email": "DLIBSDCOMPLAINTS@MT.GOV", "mail": "Board of Behavioral Health, 301 S. Park Avenue, 4th Floor, Helena, MT 59620", "anonymous": "unknown", "note": "This board covers the clinician, not the program. A complaint about a facility goes to the DPHHS Licensure Bureau instead, and the Department's own page says so.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://bsd.dli.mt.gov/filing-complaint" ] }, { "id": "mt-licensure-bureau", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "Montana DPHHS, Quality Assurance Division, Licensure Bureau", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses and regulates private alternative adolescent residential and outdoor programs, inspects them, imposes corrective action and can revoke a licence. It has done so: Montana permanently revoked one program's licence and removed the children from another.", "who_to_report": "The program itself - conditions, staffing, supervision, how it treats the young people in it.", "how": "Contact the Licensure Bureau by phone or post. The corrective actions it imposes are published on the Bureau's website, so it is worth reading what a program has already been cited for.", "info_url": "https://dphhs.mt.gov/oig/licensure/healthcarefacilitylicensure/lbfacilityapplications/privatealternativeadolescentresidentialoutdoorprogram", "phone": "406-444-6794", "phone_note": "Licensure Bureau Chief 406-439-2504.", "mail": "DPHHS Licensure Bureau, PO Box 202953, Helena, MT 59620-2953", "anonymous": "allowed", "note": "DPHHS states that complaints against the programs it licenses are always kept anonymous.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dphhs.mt.gov/oig/Licensure/lbcontact", "https://dphhs.mt.gov/oig/licensure/healthcarefacilitylicensure/lbfacilityapplications/privatealternativeadolescentresidentialoutdoorprogram" ] }, { "id": "mt-child-abuse-hotline", "category": "legal", "name": "Montana Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline (Centralized Intake)", "what_it_can_do": "The statutory intake line for child abuse and neglect. Where a complaint covers both abuse and a licensing breach, the Child and Family Services Division leads the child protection side of the investigation and the Licensure Bureau handles the licence.", "who_to_report": "A child at a Montana program right now. Montana's own rules require the programs themselves to report suspected abuse to this number.", "how": "Call. It takes reports around the clock.", "phone": "1-866-820-5437", "phone_note": "24 hours a day, every day.", "info_url": "https://dojmt.gov/ocfo/", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dojmt.gov/ocfo/", "https://dphhs.mt.gov/assets/oig/PAARPARMS20251.pdf" ] }, { "id": "mt-child-family-ombudsman", "category": "oversight", "name": "Montana Office of the Child and Family Ombudsman", "what_it_can_do": "An independent office in the Department of Justice that reviews how the child protection system handles a case and publishes its findings. Useful when a report has already been made and nothing happened.", "what_it_cannot_do": "It reviews the state's handling rather than investigating the program directly, and it does not licence anybody.", "who_to_report": "A family or young person who reported something and has hit a wall.", "how": "File a request for assistance online.", "complaint_url": "https://dojmt.gov/ocfo/ofco-request-for-assistance/", "info_url": "https://dojmt.gov/ocfo/", "phone": "406-444-2759", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dojmt.gov/ocfo/" ] }, { "id": "mt-disability-rights-montana", "category": "oversight", "name": "Disability Rights Montana", "what_it_can_do": "Montana's Protection and Advocacy agency, with federal authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities, a right of access to them, and free legal advocacy.", "who_to_report": "A Montana program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line.", "info_url": "https://www.disabilityrightsmt.org/", "phone": "1-800-245-4743", "phone_note": "Main line 406-449-2344 voice/TDD.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=montana" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/montana/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "The civil SOL for CSA, trafficking, and CSAM claims is age 27 against all defendants, with a limited 3-year discovery rule and revival up to age 27." ], "criminal": [ "CSA: There is no SOL for felony and misdemeanor CSA offenses.", "Trafficking: There is no SOL for trafficking.", "CSAM: There is no SOL for CSAM offenses." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "Nebraska", "abbr": "NE", "slug": "nebraska", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "Nebraska has an Office of Inspector General of Nebraska Child Welfare that sits in the legislature rather than in the department it scrutinises, and takes complaints directly. That independence matters when the concern is that the agency itself is not acting. Nebraska also says its hotline reports are confidential and are not shared with the family.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "Four years for personal injury, including assault, battery, false imprisonment and negligence. (Nebraska used to have a one-year limit for assault and battery, but it was removed in 2000.)", "citation": "Neb. Rev. Stat. 25-207(3)", "source_url": "https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=25-207", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "Yes. If you were a minor when hurt, the clock does not start until the disability ends. Nebraska courts read the statute's 'within the age of twenty years' to mean until your 21st birthday, so the four-year limit usually runs to age 25. There is no general extended deadline for physical (non-sexual) child abuse.", "citation": "Neb. Rev. Stat. 25-213", "source_url": "https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=25-213", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "State of Nebraska: a written claim must be filed with the Risk Manager within two years. Counties, cities, school districts and other political subdivisions: a written claim within one year and a lawsuit within two years. For minors these deadlines are tolled under 25-213.", "citation": "Neb. Rev. Stat. 81-8,227 (State Tort Claims Act); 13-919 (Political Subdivisions Tort Claims Act)", "source_url": "https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=13-919" }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "For child abuse (felony or misdemeanor) when the child was under 16: seven years from the abuse or seven years from the child's 16th birthday, whichever is later. If the child was 16 or 17, the general limits apply (three years for a felony, 18 months for a misdemeanor).", "citation": "Neb. Rev. Stat. 29-110(3); offense at 28-707", "source_url": "https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=29-110", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "Three years from the offense for felony assault (first- and second-degree assault). Misdemeanor (third-degree) assault: 18 months.", "citation": "Neb. Rev. Stat. 29-110(1), (2); assault offenses 28-308 to 28-310", "source_url": "https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=29-110" } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "ne-dhhs-office-of-investigations", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "Nebraska DHHS, Division of Public Health, Office of Investigations", "what_it_can_do": "Investigates complaints against licensed, registered and certified health care professionals in Nebraska, including mental health practitioners and psychologists, for breaches of the Uniform Credentialing Act and the rules governing their practice.", "who_to_report": "A licensed mental health practitioner or psychologist in Nebraska.", "how": "Get the reporting form from the Investigations page or by phone. Describe every allegation in detail, give specific dates for each incident, list any witnesses, and attach copies of the documents that bear on it.", "complaint_url": "https://dhhs.ne.gov/pages/investigations.aspx", "info_url": "https://dhhs.ne.gov/licensure/Pages/Mental-Health-and-Social-Work-Practice-FAQs.aspx", "phone": "402-471-5175", "anonymous": "unknown", "note": "A licensed professional has to report their own misdemeanour or felony conviction, or discipline elsewhere, to this office within 30 days - so it may already hold a history.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dhhs.ne.gov/pages/investigations.aspx", "https://dhhs.ne.gov/licensure/Pages/Mental-Health-and-Social-Work-Practice-FAQs.aspx" ] }, { "id": "ne-childrens-services-licensing", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "Nebraska DHHS Children's Services Licensing", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses Residential Child-Caring Agencies and Child-Placing Agencies in Nebraska, and investigates every allegation of a licensing violation in a children and youth care facility.", "who_to_report": "A licensed residential child-caring agency.", "how": "Email or write to Children's Services Licensing.", "info_url": "https://dhhs.ne.gov/licensure/Pages/Residential-Child-Caring-Agency-Licensing-and-Child-Placing-Agency-Licensing.aspx", "email": "DHHS.ChildCareLicensing@nebraska.gov", "mail": "DHHS Children's Services Licensing, PO Box 94986, Lincoln, NE 68509", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dhhs.ne.gov/licensure/Pages/Residential-Child-Caring-Agency-Licensing-and-Child-Placing-Agency-Licensing.aspx" ] }, { "id": "ne-child-abuse-hotline", "category": "legal", "name": "Nebraska Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline", "what_it_can_do": "The statewide report line for suspected child abuse and neglect.", "who_to_report": "A child at a Nebraska program.", "how": "Call, or report through the online hotline system.", "complaint_url": "https://neabusehotline-dhhs.ne.gov/", "info_url": "https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Child-Abuse.aspx", "phone": "1-800-652-1999", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "note": "Reports are confidential and are not shared with the family. A Child and Family Services Specialist may contact you during the assessment, and you can ask to stay anonymous. Online, the reporter's information stays confidential unless a court or a law enforcement agency with jurisdiction requests it.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Child-Abuse.aspx", "https://neabusehotline-dhhs.ne.gov/" ] }, { "id": "ne-inspector-general-child-welfare", "category": "oversight", "name": "Office of Inspector General of Nebraska Child Welfare", "what_it_can_do": "An independent office in the Nebraska legislature, outside the department it oversees, taking complaints about the child welfare system and the facilities in it.", "what_it_cannot_do": "It scrutinises the system rather than licensing or prosecuting a program itself.", "who_to_report": "Anyone who believes Nebraska's child welfare system, or a facility within it, has failed a child - particularly where a report to the department has gone nowhere.", "how": "File through the Office's own complaint page.", "complaint_url": "https://oig.legislature.ne.gov/?page_id=15", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://oig.legislature.ne.gov/?page_id=15" ] }, { "id": "ne-disability-rights-nebraska", "category": "oversight", "name": "Disability Rights Nebraska", "what_it_can_do": "Nebraska's Protection and Advocacy agency, with federal authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities, a right of access to them, and free legal advocacy.", "who_to_report": "A Nebraska program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line.", "info_url": "https://www.disabilityrightsnebraska.org/", "phone": "1-800-422-6691", "phone_note": "Main line 402-413-2016 voice/TDD.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=nebraska" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/nebraska/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "CSA: There is no civil SOL for child sexual assault claims against perpetrators. The SOL is age 33 for child sexual assault claims against all other defendants and age 25 for all other CSA claims.", "Trafficking: The civil SOL for trafficking claims is age 25.", "CSAM: The civil SOL for CSAM claims is age 25." ], "criminal": [ "CSA: There is no criminal SOL for many CSA crimes, and the SOL for lesser degrees of those offenses is age 25 or age 23, with an 18-month SOL for misdemeanors.", "Trafficking: There is no SOL for felony trafficking crimes.", "CSAM: There is no SOL for felony CSAM offenses." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "Nevada", "abbr": "NV", "slug": "nevada", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "Nevada has no single child abuse hotline. Clark County and Washoe County each run their own, and the Division of Child and Family Services covers everywhere else - and in those rural counties, out of hours, the Division tells you to call local law enforcement instead. Nevada's board websites were also mid-reorganisation when this was checked, and several published complaint forms had gone; where that is the case the phone number and address below came from the board's own live page, and it is worth asking them to send you the current form.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "Two years. The same two-year limit covers assault, battery and false imprisonment, and personal injury caused by negligence.", "citation": "Nev. Rev. Stat. 11.190(4)(c), (4)(e)", "source_url": "https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-011.html" }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "Yes. Time while you are under 18 does not count, so the two years usually run to your 20th birthday. Time spent in the State's custodial care (for example foster care or a state placement begun before 18) also does not count, unless the person is imprisoned, paroled or on probation. No general extended period for physical (non-sexual) child abuse.", "citation": "Nev. Rev. Stat. 11.250", "source_url": "https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-011.html" }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "A tort claim against the State of Nevada is filed with the Attorney General, and against a county, city or other political subdivision with its governing body, within two years; filing that administrative claim is not a precondition to suing, and the lawsuit itself follows the normal two-year limit.", "citation": "Nev. Rev. Stat. 41.036(1)-(3)", "source_url": "https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-041.html" }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "Three years from the offense for felony child abuse or neglect. For physical abuse there is no pause until the child turns 18; the longer child-victim deadlines (age 36 or 43) apply only to sexual abuse and sex trafficking. If the abuse was committed in a secret manner, the three years start when it is discovered.", "citation": "Nev. Rev. Stat. 171.085(4), 171.095(1)(a); offense at 200.508", "source_url": "https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-171.html" }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "Three years from the offense for felony battery or assault. Gross misdemeanors: two years. Misdemeanor battery or assault: one year.", "citation": "Nev. Rev. Stat. 171.085(4); 171.090", "source_url": "https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-171.html" } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "nv-marriage-family-counselor-board", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "Nevada Board of Examiners for Marriage and Family Therapists and Clinical Professional Counselors", "what_it_can_do": "Takes complaints against Nevada marriage and family therapists, clinical professional counselors, their interns, and anyone else under its jurisdiction including allegations of unlicensed practice, and disciplines licences.", "who_to_report": "An LMFT or CPC in Nevada, an intern working under one, or somebody practising without the licence.", "how": "The complaint must be in writing and signed by you, and posted with your supporting documents. Ask the Board for its current complaint form.", "info_url": "https://www.marriage.nv.gov/", "phone": "702-486-7388", "phone_note": "Walk-in, phone and email hours are Tuesday to Thursday, 9am to 4pm only.", "email": "mftbd2@mftbd.nv.gov", "mail": "Board of Examiners for Marriage and Family Therapists and Clinical Professional Counselors, 500 N. Rainbow Boulevard, Suite 201, Las Vegas, NV 89107", "anonymous": "not-allowed", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.marriage.nv.gov/" ] }, { "id": "nv-psychological-examiners", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Psychologist", "name": "Nevada Board of Psychological Examiners", "what_it_can_do": "Reviews and disciplines complaints against licensed psychologists in Nevada.", "who_to_report": "A licensed psychologist.", "how": "Complete the Board's complaint form, and the Release of Psychological Records form where it applies, with as much detail and supporting documentation as you can. Complaints cannot be taken by phone - they must be in writing.", "complaint_url": "https://www.psyexam.nv.gov/complaints-discipline/disciplinary-policy/", "info_url": "https://www.psyexam.nv.gov/contact/", "phone": "702-276-0926", "email": "complaints@nvbope.net", "mail": "Nevada Board of Psychological Examiners, 3080 South Durango Drive, Suite 102, Las Vegas, NV 89117", "anonymous": "not-allowed", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.psyexam.nv.gov/complaints-discipline/disciplinary-policy/", "https://www.psyexam.nv.gov/contact/" ] }, { "id": "nv-social-work-board", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Social worker", "name": "Nevada Board of Examiners for Social Workers", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses and disciplines social workers in Nevada, including licensed clinical social workers. It calls the process filing an accusation of wrongdoing.", "who_to_report": "An LCSW or other licensed social worker.", "how": "File an accusation of wrongdoing through the Board's consumer page, which also sets out the disciplinary laws and regulations it works to.", "complaint_url": "https://www.socwork.nv.gov/consumers/file-an-accusation-of-wrongdoing/", "info_url": "https://www.socwork.nv.gov/consumers/", "phone": "775-688-2555", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.socwork.nv.gov/consumers/file-an-accusation-of-wrongdoing/", "https://www.socwork.nv.gov/consumers/" ] }, { "id": "nv-health-care-quality-compliance", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "Nevada Bureau of Health Care Quality and Compliance (HCQC)", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses, certifies and investigates health care facilities in Nevada, including facilities for the treatment of alcohol and drug abuse and residential psychiatric facilities. Investigators use interviews, records reviews and in-person observation.", "who_to_report": "An HCQC-licensed facility - complaints about patient care or about how the facility is run.", "how": "Call the complaint intake line; a message can be left at any hour and calls are returned within 48 to 72 hours. A complaint form can also be faxed to 702-486-6520.", "info_url": "https://www.dpbh.nv.gov/regulatory/hcqc/hcqc-redirect/", "phone": "702-668-3250", "phone_note": "Complaint intake. Messages can be left 24/7; calls returned in 48 to 72 hours.", "anonymous": "allowed", "note": "You may give your name or stay anonymous, and if you give it you can ask that it be kept confidential during the investigation. Every complaint is triaged by how much harm it suggests: a serious one can start an investigation within 48 hours, a lesser one waits for staff to be free.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.dpbh.nv.gov/regulatory/hcqc/hcqc-redirect/" ] }, { "id": "nv-child-abuse-reporting", "category": "legal", "name": "Nevada child abuse and neglect reporting", "what_it_can_do": "Starts a child protective services investigation. Which agency takes the report depends on the county.", "who_to_report": "A child at a Nevada program. Report to the county the program is in: Clark County (Las Vegas and Henderson) on 702-399-0081, Washoe County (Reno and Sparks) on 833-900-7233, and the Division of Child and Family Services for every other county on 833-571-1041.", "how": "Call the number for that county. In the rural counties, out of hours and at weekends, the Division tells you to call local law enforcement to make the report instead. In an emergency, 911.", "complaint_url": "https://www.dcfs.nv.gov/contact-us/report-suspected-child-abuse-neglect/", "phone": "1-833-571-1041", "phone_note": "Division of Child and Family Services, for counties other than Clark and Washoe.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.dcfs.nv.gov/contact-us/report-suspected-child-abuse-neglect/" ] }, { "id": "nv-disability-advocacy-law-center", "category": "oversight", "name": "Nevada Disability Advocacy and Law Center", "what_it_can_do": "Nevada's Protection and Advocacy agency, with federal authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities, a right of access to them, and free legal advocacy.", "who_to_report": "A Nevada program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line.", "info_url": "https://www.ndalc.org/", "phone": "1-888-349-3843", "phone_note": "Main line 702-257-8150.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=nevada" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/nevada/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "There is no SOL for CSA, sex trafficking, and CSAM claims against perpetrators for all past and future offenses. The SOL for claims against other defendants is age 38 with revival up to age 38." ], "criminal": [ "CSA: There is no criminal SOL for sexual assault if a report is filed by age 36. If a report is not filed by age 36, the SOL for sexual assault is age 36, or age 43 if the abuse was not reasonably discoverable by age 36. For other CSA felonies, the SOL is age 36 with a discovery rule.", "Trafficking: The SOL for trafficking is the same as the SOL for sexual assault.", "CSAM: The SOL for CSAM violations is 3 years from the offense." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "New Hampshire", "abbr": "NH", "slug": "new-hampshire", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "New Hampshire has a Special Investigations Unit that exists to investigate allegations of abuse and neglect in institutional settings and residential facilities, rather than leaving them to an ordinary district office. It also has an Office of the Child Advocate whose remit expressly covers any organisation certified or contracted to provide direct services to children - which means the residential facilities themselves, not only the state agency.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "Three years for all personal injury claims, including assault, battery, false imprisonment and negligence. If you could not reasonably have discovered the injury and its cause at the time, the three years run from when you did or should have.", "citation": "N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. 508:4, I", "source_url": "https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/LII/508/508-4.htm" }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "Yes. Someone hurt as a child may sue within two years after turning 18 (so by age 20), or within the normal three years from the injury if that is later. The general discovery rule in 508:4 also applies. No special extended period for physical (non-sexual) child abuse.", "citation": "N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. 508:8", "source_url": "https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/LII/508/508-8.htm", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "State of New Hampshire: sue within three years of the injury and give written notice to the agency within 180 days (late notice does not bar the claim unless the state shows it was substantially prejudiced). Towns, cities and counties: three years, with notice to the clerk by registered mail within 60 days.", "citation": "N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. 541-B:14, IV (state); 507-B:7 (governmental units)", "source_url": "https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/LV/541-B/541-B-14.htm" }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "Six years from the offense for felony physical abuse of a child (charged as second-degree assault, which includes knowingly injuring a child under 13). Endangering the welfare of a child is usually a misdemeanor: one year. The clock does not pause until 18 for physical abuse; the 22-years-after-18 rule is for sexual offenses and incest only.", "citation": "N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. 625:8, I(a)-(c); offenses 631:2, I(d) and 639:3", "source_url": "https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/LXII/625/625-8.htm" }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "Six years from the offense for felony assault (first- or second-degree assault). Misdemeanor (simple) assault: one year.", "citation": "N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. 625:8, I; assault offenses 631:1, 631:2, 631:2-a", "source_url": "https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/LXII/625/625-8.htm" } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "nh-mental-health-practice-board", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses and regulates New Hampshire's mental health professionals and disciplines them. It treats a communication about alleged misconduct as a complaint where, if true, the conduct could breach the ethical codes, the administrative rules or the law. It publishes its board actions.", "who_to_report": "A licensed mental health professional in New Hampshire. Psychologists have their own board under the same Office of Professional Licensure and Certification.", "how": "File through the Board's complaints page.", "complaint_url": "https://www.oplc.nh.gov/board-mental-health-practice-complaints", "info_url": "https://www.oplc.nh.gov/board-mental-health-practice-actions", "anonymous": "unknown", "note": "New Hampshire's online licence verification shows a licensee's current status and its disciplinary documents, so you can check what has already been found against them.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.oplc.nh.gov/board-mental-health-practice-complaints", "https://www.oplc.nh.gov/board-mental-health-practice-actions" ] }, { "id": "nh-psychologists-board", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Psychologist", "name": "New Hampshire Board of Psychologists", "what_it_can_do": "Regulates and licenses the psychology profession in New Hampshire and disciplines its licensees.", "who_to_report": "A licensed psychologist.", "how": "File through the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification.", "complaint_url": "https://www.oplc.nh.gov/board-psychologists", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.oplc.nh.gov/board-psychologists" ] }, { "id": "nh-dcyf-hotline", "category": "legal", "name": "New Hampshire DCYF child abuse and neglect hotline", "what_it_can_do": "The statewide report line, staffed 24 hours a day including weekends and holidays. Allegations arising in foster homes, institutional settings and residential facilities go to a Special Investigations Unit rather than to a district office.", "who_to_report": "A child at a New Hampshire program. Residential child care facilities are themselves required to report suspected abuse to this number.", "how": "Call.", "complaint_url": "https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/report-concern/report-child-abuse", "info_url": "https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/child-protection-juvenile-justice/child-protection-services", "phone": "1-800-894-5533", "phone_note": "24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/report-concern/report-child-abuse", "https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/child-protection-juvenile-justice/child-protection-services" ] }, { "id": "nh-residential-child-care-licensing", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "New Hampshire DHHS residential child care licensing", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses New Hampshire's residential child care facilities under the He-C 4001 rules and enforces them, including the requirement that facilities report suspected abuse themselves.", "who_to_report": "A licensed residential child care facility.", "how": "Contact DHHS through its DCYF contact directory.", "info_url": "https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dcyf-contact-directory", "phone": "1-800-894-5533", "phone_note": "The DCYF line is the reporting route facilities themselves are required to use.", "anonymous": "allowed", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dcyf-contact-directory", "https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt476/files/inline-documents/sonh/he-c-4001-child-care-residential-rules-eff-12-30-2020.pdf" ] }, { "id": "nh-office-child-advocate", "category": "oversight", "name": "New Hampshire Office of the Child Advocate", "what_it_can_do": "An independent office reviewing complaints about children currently or previously involved with the state's child-serving agencies, and expressly about any organisation certified or contracted to provide direct services to children and families - residential facilities included.", "who_to_report": "A young person who has been through a New Hampshire residential facility or the state system, whether or not they are still in it.", "how": "Contact the office directly.", "complaint_url": "https://www.childadvocate.nh.gov/contact-us", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.childadvocate.nh.gov/contact-us" ] }, { "id": "nh-disability-rights-center", "category": "oversight", "name": "Disability Rights Center - New Hampshire", "what_it_can_do": "New Hampshire's Protection and Advocacy agency, with federal authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities, a right of access to them, and free legal advocacy.", "who_to_report": "A New Hampshire program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line.", "info_url": "https://drcnh.org/", "phone": "1-800-834-1721", "phone_note": "Voice and TTY. Main line 603-228-0432.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=new-hampshire" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/new-hampshire/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "CSA: There is no SOL for incest and sexual assault of minors against any defendants and there is a permanent revival window for expired claims. The remaining claims have an SOL of age 30.", "Trafficking: The SOL for trafficking claims is age 28 or 10 years after release from the trafficking situation, whichever is later.", "CSAM: The SOL for CSAM claims is age 20." ], "criminal": [ "CSA: The SOL is age 40 for sexual assault and incest, age 24 for other felonies, and age 19 for misdemeanors.", "Trafficking: The SOL is age 38 for trafficking offenses.", "CSAM: The SOL for CSAM violations is 6 years from the offense." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "New Jersey", "abbr": "NJ", "slug": "new-jersey", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "Two things New Jersey states plainly. Every report of abuse or neglect in an institutional setting - and it names residential treatment centres specifically - must go to the State Central Registry, and an investigator has to start within 24 hours. And a complaint form sent to a professional board is a government record: the board may be obliged to hand it to anyone who asks for it once the investigation is over.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "Two years for personal injury, which covers assault, battery and negligence alike.", "citation": "N.J. Stat. Ann. 2A:14-2(a)", "source_url": "https://lis.njleg.state.nj.us/nxt/gateway.dll/statutes/1/112/308" }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "Yes. If you were under 18 when you were hurt, the two years do not start until you turn 18, so the deadline is usually your 20th birthday. There is no general extended deadline for physical (non-sexual) child abuse.", "citation": "N.J. Stat. Ann. 2A:14-21", "source_url": "https://lis.njleg.state.nj.us/nxt/gateway.dll/statutes/1/112/330" }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "Against the state, a county, a town or another public entity, you must file a notice of claim within 90 days (a judge may allow late notice up to one year for extraordinary circumstances) and sue within two years; a minor can do both after turning 18.", "citation": "N.J. Stat. Ann. 59:8-8, 59:8-9 (Tort Claims Act)", "source_url": "https://law.justia.com/codes/new-jersey/title-59/section-59-8-8/" }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "For endangering the welfare of a child (which includes a caregiver causing a child physical abuse or neglect): five years after the victim turns 18, or two years after the victim discovers the offense, whichever is later. Other child cruelty charges (a fourth-degree crime) have the general five years from the offense.", "citation": "N.J. Stat. Ann. 2C:1-6(b)(4); offenses 2C:24-4(a)(2), 9:6-3", "source_url": "https://law.justia.com/codes/new-jersey/title-2c/section-2c-1-6/" }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "Five years from the offense for aggravated assault and other indictable crimes. Simple assault (a disorderly persons offense): one year.", "citation": "N.J. Stat. Ann. 2C:1-6(b)(1), (b)(2); aggravated assault 2C:12-1(b)", "source_url": "https://law.justia.com/codes/new-jersey/title-2c/section-2c-1-6/" } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "nj-consumer-affairs-boards", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, professional boards", "what_it_can_do": "Houses the Professional Counselor Examiners Committee, the Board of Social Work Examiners, the State Board of Psychological Examiners and the State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners, and takes complaints against all of them through one portal.", "who_to_report": "A licensed counselor, social worker, psychologist or marriage and family therapist in New Jersey.", "how": "File through the Division's board complaint portal, or post the board's form to its Newark address.", "complaint_url": "https://njconsumeraffairs.nj.gov/board-complaints/", "info_url": "https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/mft", "phone": "973-504-6200", "mail": "New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, 124 Halsey Street, Newark, NJ 07101", "anonymous": "discouraged", "note": "The Division warns that anything you put on the complaint form may become public. The completed form is a government record, and once any investigation is finished the board may be obliged to release it to anyone who requests it.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://njconsumeraffairs.nj.gov/board-complaints/", "https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/mft" ] }, { "id": "nj-state-central-registry", "category": "legal", "name": "New Jersey State Central Registry (1-877 NJ ABUSE)", "what_it_can_do": "The statutory report line for child abuse and neglect. New Jersey requires every report of abuse in an institutional setting - child care centres, schools, foster homes and residential treatment centres - to come here, and the Division of Child Protection and Permanency must start investigating within 24 hours.", "who_to_report": "A child at a New Jersey program. You do not need proof, and you can report anonymously.", "how": "Call the 24-hour line. If the child is in immediate danger, call 911 as well.", "info_url": "https://www.nj.gov/dcf/reporting/how/", "phone": "1-877-652-2873", "phone_note": "1-877-NJ-ABUSE. 24 hours a day, seven days a week.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.nj.gov/dcf/reporting/how/", "https://www.nj.gov/dcf/families/hotlines/" ] }, { "id": "nj-disability-rights-new-jersey", "category": "oversight", "name": "Disability Rights New Jersey", "what_it_can_do": "New Jersey's Protection and Advocacy agency, with federal authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities, a right of access to them, and free legal advocacy. It publishes its own guide to reporting abuse or neglect in New Jersey.", "who_to_report": "A New Jersey program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line, or start from its reporting guide.", "complaint_url": "https://disabilityrightsnj.org/how-to-report-abuse-or-neglect/", "info_url": "https://disabilityrightsnj.org/", "phone": "1-800-922-7233", "phone_note": "Main line 609-292-9742; TTY 609-633-7106.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://disabilityrightsnj.org/how-to-report-abuse-or-neglect/", "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=new-jersey" ] }, { "id": "nj-office-of-licensing", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "New Jersey DCF Office of Licensing", "what_it_can_do": "The Department of Children and Families' licensing and regulatory authority for youth and residential programs, children's group homes, resource family homes and adoption agencies. It inspects them and investigates health and safety violations.", "who_to_report": "A licensed New Jersey youth or residential program. Allegations of abuse go to the State Central Registry instead.", "how": "Call the licensing complaint line or file online. Complaints may be made anonymously.", "info_url": "https://www.nj.gov/dcf/divisions-offices/ool/", "phone": "1-877-667-9845", "anonymous": "allowed", "note": "Inspection and violation reports, and a summary of any complaint made against a licensed centre, have to be made available on request.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.nj.gov/dcf/divisions-offices/ool/" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/new-jersey/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "The civil SOL for CSA, trafficking, and CSAM claims against all defendants is age 55 or 7 years after discovering an injury caused by the abuse, even for claims that have already expired." ], "criminal": [ "CSA: There is no SOL for felony or aggravated sexual assault. The SOL for criminal sexual conduct and endangering the welfare of a child is age 23. The SOL for other felonies is 5 years from the offense, and 1 year for misdemeanors, with discovery and DNA rules.", "Trafficking: The SOL for trafficking offenses is 5 years from the offense.", "CSAM: The SOL for CSAM offenses is age 23 or 2 years from the victim’s discovery of the offense, whichever is later." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "New Mexico", "abbr": "NM", "slug": "new-mexico", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "New Mexico deserves a warning its own government has already published. The state Department of Justice reported that CYFD, which licenses congregate care and behavioral health settings, had no written policies or procedures governing how its Licensing and Certification Authority investigates allegations of abuse or neglect in those facilities, and recommended it adopt and publish some. Report anyway - but pair it with the Protection and Advocacy agency and with Statewide Central Intake rather than relying on the licensor alone.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "Three years for an injury to the person, which covers assault, battery, false imprisonment and negligence.", "citation": "N.M. Stat. Ann. 37-1-8", "source_url": "https://law.justia.com/codes/new-mexico/chapter-37/article-1/section-37-1-8/" }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "Yes, but short. A minor has until one year after turning 18 (age 19), or three years from the injury, whichever gives more time. No general extended deadline for physical (non-sexual) child abuse.", "citation": "N.M. Stat. Ann. 37-1-10", "source_url": "https://law.justia.com/codes/new-mexico/chapter-37/article-1/section-37-1-10/" }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "Against the state or a local public body (including state juvenile facilities): written notice within 90 days of the incident (unless the government had actual notice) and suit within two years. Minority does not extend the two years, except that a child under 7 has until the 9th birthday.", "citation": "N.M. Stat. Ann. 41-4-15(A) (limitation); 41-4-16 (90-day notice)", "source_url": "https://law.justia.com/codes/new-mexico/chapter-41/article-4/section-41-4-15/" }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "The clock for child abuse does not start until the child turns 18 or the abuse is reported to law enforcement, whichever comes first. Then five years for a third-degree felony (most first offenses without great bodily harm) or six years for a second-degree felony; abuse causing great bodily harm is a first-degree felony and may have no limit.", "citation": "N.M. Stat. Ann. 30-1-9.1; 30-1-8(A), (B), (I); offense at 30-6-1", "source_url": "https://law.justia.com/codes/new-mexico/chapter-30/article-1/section-30-1-9-1/", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "Five years from the offense for felony aggravated battery (a third-degree felony); six years for a second-degree felony. Misdemeanor battery: two years (petty misdemeanor simple battery: one year).", "citation": "N.M. Stat. Ann. 30-1-8(A)-(D); aggravated battery 30-3-5(C)", "source_url": "https://law.justia.com/codes/new-mexico/chapter-30/article-1/section-30-1-8/" } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "nm-counseling-therapy-board", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, behavioral health boards", "what_it_can_do": "Houses the Counseling and Therapy Practice Board, the Social Work Board and the Psychologist Examiners Board, takes complaints against their licensees and runs the disciplinary proceedings against those who break the practice laws.", "who_to_report": "A licensed counselor, therapist, social worker or psychologist in New Mexico. All three boards share a phone number and a mailing address.", "how": "Use the Department's boards complaint form.", "complaint_url": "https://www.rld.nm.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/BCD_Complaint_Form__Rev._03.01.2021_-3.pdf", "info_url": "https://www.rld.nm.gov/boards-and-commissions/individual-boards-and-commissions/counseling-and-therapy-practice/", "phone": "505-476-4622", "email": "counseling.board@rld.nm.gov", "mail": "New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, PO Box 25101, Santa Fe, NM 87504", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.rld.nm.gov/boards-and-commissions/individual-boards-and-commissions/counseling-and-therapy-practice/", "https://www.rld.nm.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/BCD_Complaint_Form__Rev._03.01.2021_-3.pdf" ] }, { "id": "nm-cyfd-licensing-certification", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "New Mexico CYFD, Licensing and Certification Authority", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses congregate care and behavioral health settings in New Mexico, monitors their programming, and is the body responsible for ensuring trauma-responsive care.", "what_it_cannot_do": "The New Mexico Department of Justice found it had no written policies or procedures for how it investigates abuse and neglect allegations in the facilities it licenses, and no statewide tracking to stop somebody who has abused a child working at another licensed facility. Treat a report here as necessary but not sufficient.", "who_to_report": "A licensed congregate care or behavioral health facility in New Mexico.", "how": "Contact CYFD. Report the same facts to Statewide Central Intake and to Disability Rights New Mexico as well, and keep your own record of what you sent and when.", "info_url": "https://www.cyfd.nm.gov/protective-services/child-abuse-and-neglect/", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://nmdoj.gov/publications/cyfd-report/recommendations/", "https://www.cyfd.nm.gov/protective-services/child-abuse-and-neglect/" ] }, { "id": "nm-statewide-central-intake", "category": "legal", "name": "New Mexico CYFD Statewide Central Intake", "what_it_can_do": "The statutory report line for child abuse and neglect, open around the clock.", "who_to_report": "A child at a New Mexico program.", "how": "Call.", "info_url": "https://www.cyfd.nm.gov/protective-services/child-abuse-and-neglect/", "phone": "1-855-333-7233", "phone_note": "1-855-333-SAFE. 24 hours a day, seven days a week.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.cyfd.nm.gov/protective-services/child-abuse-and-neglect/" ] }, { "id": "nm-disability-rights-new-mexico", "category": "oversight", "name": "Disability Rights New Mexico", "what_it_can_do": "New Mexico's Protection and Advocacy agency, with federal authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities, a right of access to them, and free legal advocacy. Given what the state's own Department of Justice found about CYFD's investigations, this is a more important channel in New Mexico than in most states.", "who_to_report": "A New Mexico program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line.", "info_url": "https://www.drnm.org/", "phone": "1-800-432-4682", "phone_note": "Main line 505-256-3100.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=new-mexico" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/new-mexico/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "CSA: The civil SOL for CSA claims against all defendants is age 24 with a 3-year discovery rule.", "Trafficking: The civil SOL for trafficking claims is age 28.", "CSAM: The civil SOL for CSAM claims against all defendants is age 24 with a 3-year discovery rule." ], "criminal": [ "CSA: There is no criminal SOL for first-degree felonies, including CSA. The SOL is age 23 for non-first-degree abandonment or abuse, criminal sexual penetration, or criminal sexual contact. The SOL for other felonies is 5 or 6 years from commission, and 2 years for misdemeanors.", "Trafficking: There is no SOL for trafficking of victims under age 13. The SOL is 6 years from the offense for trafficking victims under age 16.", "CSAM: The SOL for CSAM is 6 years from the offense for second-degree felony violations and 5 years from the offense for third- and fourth-degree felony violations." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "New York", "abbr": "NY", "slug": "new-york", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "New York has something most states do not: the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs, created by statute in 2013, with its own 24-hour register, its own investigators and the power to support criminal prosecution. It says every allegation is investigated to conclusion, and it provides advocates to victims and families during the investigation. If the program is a New York state-operated, licensed or certified facility, this is the strongest channel in the state.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "One year for intentional harm: assault, battery and false imprisonment. Three years for negligence (for example, a program's negligent supervision or hiring). If the person who hurt you is criminally prosecuted, you get at least one year after the criminal case ends to sue them.", "citation": "N.Y. C.P.L.R. 215(3) (intentional torts, 1 year); 214(5) (personal injury/negligence, 3 years); 215(8)(a) (criminal-action extension)", "source_url": "https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/CVP/215" }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "Yes. For a one-year claim (assault, battery), the time you were under 18 is not counted, so the deadline is your 19th birthday. For a three-year negligence claim, you have three years after turning 18 (your 21st birthday). The 10-year cap in this statute does not apply to minors except in medical malpractice. No general extended period for physical (non-sexual) child abuse.", "citation": "N.Y. C.P.L.R. 208(a)", "source_url": "https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/CVP/208" }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "Against a county, city, town, village or school district: serve a notice of claim within 90 days and sue within one year and 90 days. Against New York State (Court of Claims): file the claim, or a notice of intention to file, within 90 days; then the claim is due within two years for negligence or one year for intentional torts. Minors get extra time under the tolling rules.", "citation": "N.Y. Gen. Mun. Law 50-e(1)(a), 50-i(1)(c); N.Y. Ct. Cl. Act 10(3), 10(3-b), 10(5)", "source_url": "https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/GMU/50-I", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "Five years from the offense for felony physical abuse of a child (charged as felony assault). Endangering the welfare of a child is a misdemeanor: two years. The clock does not pause until the child is older for physical abuse; the age-23 rule applies only to sexual offenses, incest and child sexual performance.", "citation": "N.Y. Crim. Proc. Law 30.10(2)(b), (2)(c), (3)(f)", "source_url": "https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/CPL/30.10" }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "Five years from the offense for felony assault (first- or second-degree). Misdemeanor (third-degree) assault: two years.", "citation": "N.Y. Crim. Proc. Law 30.10(2)(b), (2)(c)", "source_url": "https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/CPL/30.10" } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "ny-office-professional-discipline", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "New York Office of the Professions, Office of Professional Discipline", "what_it_can_do": "Investigates professional misconduct by anyone licensed by the State of New York - psychologists, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, creative arts therapists, psychoanalysts and social workers - and illegal practice by the unlicensed. Outcomes run from a warning letter to revoking the licence.", "who_to_report": "A licensed mental health professional in New York, or someone practising without the licence.", "how": "Complete the discipline complaint form and post it to the regional Office of Professional Discipline nearest where the incident happened, or fax it. Complaints must be in writing; they cannot be made by phone, though you can call for help with the form.", "complaint_url": "https://www.op.nysed.gov/enforcement/discipline-complaint-form", "info_url": "https://www.op.nysed.gov/enforcement/enforcement-actions", "phone": "1-800-442-8106", "phone_note": "For information on filing. The complaint itself has to be in writing. Fax 212-951-6420.", "email": "conduct@nysed.gov", "anonymous": "not-allowed", "note": "Investigators in the regional office may consult members of the State board for that profession before deciding.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.op.nysed.gov/enforcement/discipline-complaint-form", "https://www.op.nysed.gov/enforcement/enforcement-actions" ] }, { "id": "ny-justice-center", "category": "oversight", "name": "New York State Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs", "what_it_can_do": "Runs the Vulnerable Persons Central Register, a 24-hour hotline for abuse, neglect, financial misappropriation and any significant incident threatening the health, safety or welfare of someone in a New York state-operated, licensed or certified facility. It investigates every allegation to conclusion, and works with prosecutors on criminal cases arising from them.", "who_to_report": "A young person with special needs - which includes a mental health diagnosis - receiving services at a New York state-operated, licensed or certified facility or program.", "how": "Call the Vulnerable Persons Central Register. If somebody is in immediate danger, call 911 first.", "complaint_url": "https://www.justicecenter.ny.gov/reporting-incident", "info_url": "https://www.justicecenter.ny.gov/investigations-appeals", "phone": "1-855-373-2122", "phone_note": "Vulnerable Persons Central Register, 24 hours a day. Advocates for victims and families on 1-800-624-4143.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "note": "The Justice Center provides advocates who answer questions about the process and give case updates during an investigation - unusual, and worth using.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.justicecenter.ny.gov/", "https://www.justicecenter.ny.gov/reporting-incident" ] }, { "id": "ny-statewide-central-register", "category": "legal", "name": "New York Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment", "what_it_can_do": "The state's child abuse hotline, run by the Office of Children and Family Services. Takes reports from the general public and routes them to the local child protective service for investigation.", "who_to_report": "A child at a New York program. Neighbours, relatives and concerned citizens can all use the public line.", "how": "Call the 24-hour toll-free line. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911 or the local police first.", "info_url": "https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/cps/", "phone": "1-800-342-3720", "phone_note": "24 hours a day. TDD/TTY 1-800-638-5163, or have a Video Relay provider call the main number.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/cps/", "https://ocfs.ny.gov/main/contact/" ] }, { "id": "ny-disability-rights-new-york", "category": "oversight", "name": "Disability Rights New York", "what_it_can_do": "New York's Protection and Advocacy agency, with federal authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities, a right of access to them, and free legal advocacy.", "who_to_report": "A New York program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line.", "info_url": "https://www.drny.org/", "phone": "1-800-993-8982", "phone_note": "Main line 518-432-7861; TTY 518-512-3448.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=new-york" ] }, { "id": "ny-ocfs-omh-facility-oversight", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "New York OCFS and OMH residential facility oversight", "what_it_can_do": "The Office of Mental Health regulates residential treatment facilities for children and youth, and the OCFS Regional Office investigates child abuse and neglect allegations involving facilities OMH licenses or operates. Between them they hold the licence and investigate what happens inside it.", "who_to_report": "A New York residential treatment facility - unsafe conditions, inadequate supervision, hygiene and health neglect, anything that is a standards failure rather than one person's conduct.", "how": "Report through the OCFS portal or the Statewide Central Register. For a licensed facility the Justice Center's Vulnerable Persons Central Register is usually the stronger route.", "info_url": "https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/childcare/safety-hotline.php", "phone": "1-800-732-5207", "phone_note": "Statewide Central Register line used for reports about facilities.", "anonymous": "allowed", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/childcare/safety-hotline.php" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/new-york/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "CSA: The civil SOL for CSA is age 55 for claims against all defendants. A 2-year revival window for expired claims of sexual abuse of children and adults that occurred in NYC is open until March 1, 2025.", "Trafficking: The civil SOL for sex trafficking is age 33 with a 15-year discovery rule.", "CSAM: The civil SOL for CSAM is age 55 for claims against all defendants." ], "criminal": [ "CSA: There is no criminal SOL for first-degree CSA offenses. The SOL is either age 28, 33 or 43 for other felonies, and age 25 for misdemeanors.", "Trafficking: The SOL for trafficking is 5 years from the offense.", "CSAM: The SOL for CSAM violations is either age 28 or 5 years from when the offense was reported to law enforcement, whichever is earlier." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "North Carolina", "abbr": "NC", "slug": "north-carolina", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "North Carolina keeps a separate board for each profession, so you have to know which licence the person holds before you can complain about them; every board publishes a licence lookup and it is worth checking first. Child abuse reporting is the other oddity: there is no statewide hotline, and a report goes to the department of social services in the county the program sits in.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "Three years. The same three-year limit covers assault, battery and false imprisonment (from the date it happened) and negligence or other personal injury (from when the harm became apparent, with an outside limit of 10 years after the last act).", "citation": "N.C. Gen. Stat. 1-52(16), 1-52(19)", "source_url": "https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_1/GS_1-52.html" }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "Yes. If you were under 18 when you were hurt, the normal time limit (three years for assault or injury) does not start until you turn 18, so the usual deadline is your 21st birthday. There is no general extended deadline for physical (non-sexual) child abuse.", "citation": "N.C. Gen. Stat. 1-17(a)", "source_url": "https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_1/GS_1-17.html" }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "Negligence claims against a North Carolina state agency (for example a state-run juvenile facility) must be filed with the Industrial Commission within three years under the State Tort Claims Act; there is no general statutory notice-of-claim step for counties and cities.", "citation": "N.C. Gen. Stat. 143-299", "source_url": "https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_143/GS_143-299.html", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "No time limit for felony child abuse. North Carolina has no statute of limitations for any felony. Misdemeanor child abuse must be charged within 10 years.", "citation": "N.C. Gen. Stat. 15-1 (limits misdemeanors only); felony child abuse is N.C. Gen. Stat. 14-318.4", "source_url": "https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_15/GS_15-1.html" }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "No time limit for felony assault, because North Carolina has no statute of limitations for felonies. Misdemeanor assault must be charged within two years.", "citation": "N.C. Gen. Stat. 15-1", "source_url": "https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_15/GS_15-1.html" } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "nc-psychology-board", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Psychologist", "name": "North Carolina Psychology Board", "what_it_can_do": "Investigates complaints against licensed psychologists and against people practising psychology without a licence, and can discipline a licence. It can also open an investigation on its own initiative, which it says is most likely when the information is already public.", "who_to_report": "A licensed psychologist, or somebody presenting themselves as one.", "how": "The online complaint form is the quickest route. There is a PDF form as an alternative, with separate written instructions.", "complaint_url": "https://ncpsychologyboard.info/complaints/", "phone": "828-262-2258", "phone_note": "Tuesday and Thursday, 8am to 5pm. Second line 828-265-8611.", "email": "info@ncpsychologyboard.org", "mail": "North Carolina Psychology Board, 895 State Farm Road, Suite 101, Boone, NC 28607", "anonymous": "unknown", "note": "The Board's current website is ncpsychologyboard.info. Its old .org domain still serves the complaint form but the rest of the site has moved.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://ncpsychologyboard.info/complaints/" ] }, { "id": "nc-counselor-board", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Professional counselor", "name": "North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors", "what_it_can_do": "Takes complaints against Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors, refers them to its Ethics Committee, and disciplines licences. It publishes its disciplinary actions.", "who_to_report": "An LCMHC. This is the licence most therapists in North Carolina programs hold.", "how": "Download the Board's complaint form, cite the specific parts of the Code of Ethics or the Practice Act you say were breached, and post it or email it to the complaints address.", "complaint_url": "https://www.ncblcmhc.org/Complaints/", "info_url": "https://www.ncblcmhc.org/complaints/disciplinaryactions", "phone": "1-844-622-3572", "phone_note": "Also 336-217-6007.", "email": "complaints@ncblcmhc.org", "mail": "NCBLCMHC, P.O. Box 77819, Greensboro, NC 27417", "anonymous": "unknown", "note": "The Board asks you to try to resolve it with the counselor first, following the American Counseling Association's guidance. That is their preference, not a requirement, and it is not always a safe thing to do.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ncblcmhc.org/Complaints/" ] }, { "id": "nc-social-work-board", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Social worker", "name": "North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board", "what_it_can_do": "Investigates complaints against social workers it certifies or licenses, and allegations of unlicensed clinical social work practice. It can also start its own investigation where there is reasonable cause.", "what_it_cannot_do": "It has no legal authority to keep your identity from the social worker you complained about. It also has no authority over the many social workers who practise lawfully in North Carolina without a licence, so check the lookup first.", "who_to_report": "A certified or licensed social worker, or somebody doing clinical social work without the licence it requires.", "how": "Download the complaint form and post it with your documentation. Online submission was still being built when this was checked.", "complaint_url": "https://www.ncswboard.gov/complaint-form/", "info_url": "https://www.ncswboard.gov/complaint-disciplinary-process/", "phone": "336-625-1679", "phone_note": "Also 336-625-4246.", "email": "info@ncswboard.gov", "anonymous": "not-allowed", "note": "The Board's site is ncswboard.gov. The similarly named .org domain has lapsed and now serves gambling spam - do not use it.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ncswboard.gov/complaint-disciplinary-process/" ] }, { "id": "nc-mft-board", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Marriage and family therapist", "name": "North Carolina Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure Board", "what_it_can_do": "Investigates licensed marriage and family therapists, and also people who use the LMFT or LMFTA title, or imply they hold it, without the licence. That second power matters in an industry where titles get used loosely.", "who_to_report": "An LMFT or LMFTA, or anyone practising marriage and family therapy in North Carolina without being licensed in a discipline that allows it.", "how": "Use the online complaint form. A printable form can be requested from the Board if you cannot complete it online.", "complaint_url": "https://www.ncbmft.org/code-of-ethics/file-a-complaint", "info_url": "https://www.ncbmft.org/code-of-ethics/disciplinary-actions", "phone": "919-568-3014", "mail": "North Carolina Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure Board, PO Box 10912, Raleigh, NC 27605", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ncbmft.org/code-of-ethics/file-a-complaint" ] }, { "id": "nc-medical-board", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Psychiatrist", "name": "North Carolina Medical Board", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses and disciplines physicians, including psychiatrists and any doctor serving as a program's medical director.", "who_to_report": "A doctor. Therapists and counselors go to their own boards above.", "info_url": "https://www.ncmedboard.org/", "phone": "1-800-253-9653", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://info.ncdhhs.gov/dhsr/ciu/index.html" ] }, { "id": "nc-dhsr-complaint-intake", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "NC Division of Health Service Regulation, Complaint Intake", "what_it_can_do": "The complaint route into the division that licenses and inspects mental health, substance use and developmental disability facilities in North Carolina, including residential programs for minors. It conducts complaint investigations and its Mental Health Licensure and Certification Section can act on a facility's licence.", "who_to_report": "The facility: conditions, staffing, restraint, how it is run. Its Health Care Personnel Investigations section separately handles allegations against individual staff in licensed facilities.", "how": "Call the complaint hotline during its posted hours, or use the written complaint form.", "complaint_url": "https://info.ncdhhs.gov/dhsr/ciu/filecomplaint.html", "info_url": "https://info.ncdhhs.gov/dhsr/mhlcs/mhpage.html", "phone": "1-800-624-3004", "phone_note": "Within North Carolina. From elsewhere, 919-855-4500. Open 9am-12pm and 1pm-4pm on weekdays, holidays excepted - a narrow window, so allow for it.", "mail": "Complaint Intake, 2711 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-2711", "anonymous": "allowed", "note": "North Carolina publishes the resulting survey and deficiency reports, so it is worth searching what has already been cited against a program before you call.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://info.ncdhhs.gov/dhsr/ciu/index.html" ] }, { "id": "nc-county-dss", "category": "legal", "name": "Your county Department of Social Services (child abuse report)", "what_it_can_do": "North Carolina law requires any person or institution who suspects a child under 18 is abused or neglected to report it to the county department of social services. The county DSS investigates and can involve law enforcement.", "who_to_report": "A child at a North Carolina program right now.", "how": "There is no single statewide hotline. Find the DSS for the county the program is in and call it. If the danger is immediate, call 911.", "complaint_url": "https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/about-dss/dss-contact-information", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/about-dss/dss-contact-information" ] }, { "id": "nc-medicaid-investigations", "category": "legal", "name": "NC Department of Justice, Medicaid Investigations Division", "what_it_can_do": "Investigates fraud by Medicaid providers and, separately, physical abuse of any patient in a Medicaid-funded facility, along with theft or commingling of patients' funds. It brings cases; it has recovered over a billion dollars and has settled fraud allegations against North Carolina treatment centers.", "who_to_report": "A Medicaid-funded program where a young person was physically abused, or where money went missing.", "how": "Report online - there are separate forms for provider fraud and for patient abuse - or call.", "complaint_url": "https://ncdoj.gov/responding-to-crime/health-fraud/", "phone": "919-881-2320", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://ncdoj.gov/responding-to-crime/health-fraud/" ] }, { "id": "nc-disability-rights-nc", "category": "oversight", "name": "Disability Rights North Carolina", "what_it_can_do": "North Carolina's Protection and Advocacy agency. It monitors facilities where people with disabilities live and receive services, investigates abuse and neglect, and publishes public reports on what it finds.", "what_it_cannot_do": "It says plainly that it is not a regulatory body: it cannot license, fine or close a facility. Pair it with a report to DHSR.", "who_to_report": "A North Carolina program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact its intake line. It publishes its own guide to reporting abuse and neglect in facilities, which names each agency and what it does.", "info_url": "https://disabilityrightsnc.org/resources/reporting-abuse-neglect-and-exploitation-of-people-with-disabilities-in-facilities/", "phone": "1-877-235-4210", "phone_note": "Main line 919-856-2195; TTY 888-268-5535.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://disabilityrightsnc.org/resources/reporting-abuse-neglect-and-exploitation-of-people-with-disabilities-in-facilities/", "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=north-carolina" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/north-carolina/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "The civil SOL for CSA, trafficking, and CSAM claims is age 28 against all defendants with a very narrow discovery rule." ], "criminal": [ "There is no criminal SOL for any felonies, including for CSA, trafficking, and CSAM. There is an SOL of 10 years from the offense for misdemeanor sexual battery, indecent liberties between children, and child abuse, and other misdemeanors have an SOL of 2 years from the offense." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "North Dakota", "abbr": "ND", "slug": "north-dakota", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "North Dakota's reporting line is not staffed around the clock: live agents answer between 8am and 5pm Central on weekdays, and outside that you can only leave a message. If a child is in immediate danger at a weekend, call law enforcement rather than waiting on a callback. North Dakota law does require institutional abuse reports to be made and received the same way as every other report, so a program is not a special case.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "Two years for assault, battery or false imprisonment. Six years for negligence and other personal injury that is not an intentional tort.", "citation": "N.D. Cent. Code 28-01-18(1) (assault, battery, false imprisonment: 2 years); 28-01-16(5) (other injury to the person: 6 years)", "source_url": "https://www.ndlegis.gov/cencode/t28c01.pdf" }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "Partly. Time while you are under 18 does not count, but the extension can last no longer than one year after you turn 18. In practice the deadline is your 19th birthday or the normal deadline counted from the injury, whichever is later. No general extended deadline for physical (non-sexual) child abuse.", "citation": "N.D. Cent. Code 28-01-25", "source_url": "https://www.ndlegis.gov/cencode/t28c01.pdf", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "For claims against the State of North Dakota, written notice must go to the Office of Management and Budget within 180 days after the injury is discovered (one year for a serious injury), and the suit must be filed within three years; claims against cities, counties and other political subdivisions must be filed within three years.", "citation": "N.D. Cent. Code 32-12.2-04(1) (notice), 28-01-22.1 (state, 3 years), 32-12.1-10 (political subdivisions, 3 years)", "source_url": "https://www.ndlegis.gov/cencode/t32c12-2.pdf" }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "Three years from the offense for felony child abuse. There is no pause until the child turns 18 for physical abuse; the child-victim extensions apply only to sexual offenses and trafficking.", "citation": "N.D. Cent. Code 29-04-02; offense at 14-09-22", "source_url": "https://www.ndlegis.gov/cencode/t29c04.pdf" }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "Three years from the offense for aggravated assault and other felonies. Misdemeanor (simple) assault: two years.", "citation": "N.D. Cent. Code 29-04-02 (felonies); 29-04-03 (misdemeanors); aggravated assault 12.1-17-02", "source_url": "https://www.ndlegis.gov/cencode/t29c04.pdf" } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "nd-counselor-examiners-board", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Professional counselor", "name": "North Dakota Board of Counselor Examiners", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses and disciplines professional counselors in North Dakota.", "who_to_report": "A licensed professional counselor.", "how": "The complaint process begins once the Board's formal complaint form is signed and returned to its office.", "complaint_url": "https://www.ndbce.org/PDFs/ComplaintForm.pdf", "info_url": "https://www.ndbce.org/", "anonymous": "not-allowed", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndbce.org/PDFs/ComplaintForm.pdf", "https://www.ndbce.org/" ] }, { "id": "nd-psychologist-examiners-board", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Psychologist", "name": "North Dakota State Board of Psychologist Examiners", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses and disciplines psychologists, registrants and psychology residents in North Dakota.", "who_to_report": "A licensed psychologist, registrant or psychology resident.", "how": "Complete and sign the Board's complaint form, setting out the nature of the allegation and the facts behind it. You may attach supporting documents.", "complaint_url": "https://www.ndsbpe.org/consumer/index-complaint.asp", "info_url": "https://www.ndsbpe.org/verify/", "anonymous": "not-allowed", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndsbpe.org/consumer/index-complaint.asp" ] }, { "id": "nd-social-work-examiners-board", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Social worker", "name": "North Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses social workers in North Dakota and ensures they comply with the laws and regulations governing the practice.", "what_it_cannot_do": "It cannot take a complaint over the phone, and the form has to be signed.", "who_to_report": "A licensed social worker.", "how": "Send a written, signed complaint to the Board.", "complaint_url": "https://www.ndbswe.com/discipline/report.asp", "info_url": "https://www.ndbswe.com/", "anonymous": "not-allowed", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndbswe.com/discipline/report.asp" ] }, { "id": "nd-child-abuse-reporting-line", "category": "legal", "name": "North Dakota Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Line", "what_it_can_do": "The statewide report line. North Dakota law requires reports of known or suspected institutional child abuse or neglect to be made and received in the same way as any other report.", "who_to_report": "A child at a North Dakota program.", "how": "Call. Live agents answer 8am to 5pm Central on weekdays; outside those hours you can leave a message. If a child is in immediate danger, contact law enforcement.", "complaint_url": "https://www.hhs.nd.gov/cfs/cps", "info_url": "https://www.hhs.nd.gov/cfs", "phone": "1-833-958-3500", "phone_note": "Live 8am to 5pm Central, Monday to Friday. Messages can be left outside those hours.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.hhs.nd.gov/cfs/cps", "https://www.hhs.nd.gov/cfs" ] }, { "id": "nd-child-care-licensing", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "North Dakota HHS licensing", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses North Dakota's child care and residential facilities and investigates complaints that one has breached the licensing standards.", "who_to_report": "A licensed North Dakota facility.", "how": "Contact Health and Human Services. Abuse and neglect go to the reporting line.", "info_url": "https://www.hhs.nd.gov/cfs/early-childhood-services/child-care-licensing", "phone": "701-328-2316", "phone_note": "Child and Family Services; toll free 1-800-245-3736.", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.hhs.nd.gov/cfs/early-childhood-services/child-care-licensing" ] }, { "id": "nd-protection-advocacy-project", "category": "oversight", "name": "North Dakota Protection and Advocacy Project", "what_it_can_do": "North Dakota's federally mandated P&A, with authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities, a right of access to them, and free legal advocacy.", "who_to_report": "A North Dakota program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line.", "info_url": "https://www.ndpanda.org/", "phone": "1-800-472-2670", "phone_note": "Main line 701-328-2950.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=north-dakota" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/north-dakota/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "CSA: The civil SOL for CSA claims against all defendants is age 36 for minors abused under age 15, and 21 years after the abuse for minors abused at age 15-17.", "Trafficking: The civil SOL for trafficking claims is age 28.", "CSAM: The civil SOL for CSAM claims is age 36 for minors abused under age 15, and 21 years after the abuse for minors abused at age 15-17." ], "criminal": [ "CSA: The SOL is age 36 for victims under age 15. The SOL is 2 or 3 years from the offense for other felonies and misdemeanors, with a DNA rule.", "Trafficking: The SOL is age 22 for human trafficking of victims under age 15, while the SOL is 7 years for trafficking of victims aged 15 and older.", "CSAM: The SOL for CSAM violations is 3 years from the offense." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "Ohio", "abbr": "OH", "slug": "ohio", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "Ohio has something rare and worth knowing about: a Youth and Family Ombudsmen Office that takes complaints directly from young people, with a separate form for youth and for families. Most state oversight assumes an adult is doing the reporting. Ohio's child abuse line is also a directory rather than a call centre - it connects you to the county office that will actually handle it.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "One year for assault, battery or false imprisonment. Two years for other bodily injury claims, such as negligence (for example, a program that failed to protect you).", "citation": "Ohio Rev. Code §§ 2305.111(B), 2305.11(A), 2305.10(A)", "source_url": "https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2305.111" }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "If you were under 18 when you were hurt, the clock does not start until you turn 18. So assault or battery claims are due by your 19th birthday, and negligence claims by your 20th.", "citation": "Ohio Rev. Code § 2305.16", "source_url": "https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2305.16" }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "Claims against the State of Ohio go to the Court of Claims within two years (or a shorter period if one applies, such as one year for assault); claims against a county, city or other local government must be filed within two years, paused while the victim is a minor.", "citation": "Ohio Rev. Code §§ 2743.16(A), 2744.04(A)", "source_url": "https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2744.04", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "Six years for a felony. For crimes that injured a child in a way that suggests abuse or neglect, the six years do not start until the victim turns 18 or until a children services agency or police officer is told about the abuse, whichever comes first.", "citation": "Ohio Rev. Code § 2901.13(A)(1), (J)", "source_url": "https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2901.13" }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "Six years for felony assault. Misdemeanor assault must be charged within two years.", "citation": "Ohio Rev. Code § 2901.13(A)(1)", "source_url": "https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2901.13" } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "oh-cswmft-board", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses and disciplines counselors, social workers and marriage and family therapists in Ohio, and investigates complaints including incompetent practice, breaking confidentiality, failure to tell clients the nature and extent of services, sexual harassment, discrimination, physical or verbal abuse and conflict of interest.", "who_to_report": "A licensed counselor, social worker or marriage and family therapist in Ohio. Psychologists have their own board.", "how": "File through the Board's eLicense complaint portal, or download the form and fax it.", "complaint_url": "https://cswmft.ohio.gov/for-the-public/file-a-complaint-elicense-portal", "info_url": "https://cswmft.ohio.gov/about-the-board", "phone": "614-466-0912", "phone_note": "Fax 614-728-7790.", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://cswmft.ohio.gov/" ] }, { "id": "oh-psychology-board", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Psychologist", "name": "Ohio State Board of Psychology", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses and disciplines psychologists and school psychologists in Ohio, and publishes how its investigation process works alongside its complaint form.", "who_to_report": "A licensed psychologist in Ohio.", "how": "Use the Board's complaint page, which sets out the investigation process as well as the form.", "complaint_url": "https://psychology.ohio.gov/for-the-public/how-to-file-complaint", "info_url": "https://psychology.ohio.gov/", "phone": "614-466-8808", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://psychology.ohio.gov/" ] }, { "id": "oh-department-behavioral-health", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "Ohio Department of Behavioral Health", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses and certifies behavioral health providers in Ohio, including residential treatment, and takes complaints about the services they give.", "who_to_report": "A certified or licensed behavioral health provider or residential program.", "how": "Contact the Department.", "info_url": "https://dbh.ohio.gov/", "phone": "614-466-2596", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dbh.ohio.gov/" ], "note": "Formerly the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS); the old mha.ohio.gov address now redirects here." }, { "id": "oh-child-abuse-hotline", "category": "legal", "name": "Ohio child abuse and neglect reporting line", "what_it_can_do": "An automated directory that connects you straight to the child welfare or law enforcement office in the relevant county, which is where the report is actually handled.", "who_to_report": "A child at an Ohio program. Report to the county the program is in.", "how": "Call. Reports can be anonymous.", "info_url": "https://childrenandyouth.ohio.gov/help-center/child-safety-concerns/child-safety-concerns", "phone": "1-855-642-4453", "phone_note": "1-855-O-H-CHILD.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://childrenandyouth.ohio.gov/help-center/child-safety-concerns/child-safety-concerns", "https://youthandfamilyombudsmen.ohio.gov/home" ] }, { "id": "oh-youth-family-ombudsman", "category": "oversight", "name": "Ohio Youth and Family Ombudsmen Office", "what_it_can_do": "An independent office for anyone concerned about the Ohio children services system. It takes complaints directly from young people, with a separate route for youth and for families.", "who_to_report": "A young person in the Ohio system who wants to complain themselves, or a family who has hit a wall with an agency.", "how": "Use the Youth complaint form or the Family complaint form on the office's site.", "complaint_url": "https://youthandfamilyombudsmen.ohio.gov/home", "phone": "1-877-649-6884", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://youthandfamilyombudsmen.ohio.gov/home" ] }, { "id": "oh-disability-rights-ohio", "category": "oversight", "name": "Disability Rights Ohio", "what_it_can_do": "Ohio's Protection and Advocacy agency, with federal authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities, a right of access to them, and free legal advocacy.", "who_to_report": "An Ohio program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line.", "info_url": "https://www.disabilityrightsohio.org/", "phone": "1-800-282-9181", "phone_note": "Main line 614-466-7264.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=ohio" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/ohio/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "CSA: The civil CSA SOL is age 30 against all defendants with a fraudulent concealment tolling rule. A 5-year window opened on October 12, 2023 for expired claims against the bankruptcy estate of the Boy Scouts of America.", "Trafficking: The civil SOL for trafficking is age 19.", "CSAM: The civil SOL for CSAM is age 19." ], "criminal": [ "CSA: The criminal SOL is age 43 for rape and sexual battery, age 38 for other felonies, and age 20 for misdemeanors, with a D NA rule.", "Trafficking: The SOL is age 38 for trafficking offenses.", "CSAM: The SOL is age 38 for CSAM offenses." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "Oklahoma", "abbr": "OK", "slug": "oklahoma", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "Oklahoma has an Office of Client Advocacy whose investigations unit exists specifically to investigate abuse, neglect, exploitation and caretaker misconduct involving children in congregate care settings. That is unusually close to this industry, and it is a separate route from the general child abuse hotline. Oklahoma also splits complaints about a residential facility: anything rising to abuse or neglect goes to Child Welfare Services, everything else is investigated by Child Care Services.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "One year for assault, battery or false imprisonment. Two years for other injury claims, such as negligence.", "citation": "12 Okla. Stat. § 95(A)(3), (A)(4)", "source_url": "https://www.oklegislature.gov/OK_Statutes/CompleteTitles/os12.rtf" }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "If you were under 18 when you were hurt, you get at least until one year after your 18th birthday to sue.", "citation": "12 Okla. Stat. § 96", "source_url": "https://www.oklegislature.gov/OK_Statutes/CompleteTitles/os12.rtf", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "For claims against the state, a county, city or public school, a written notice of claim must be filed within one year of the injury, and the lawsuit must be filed within 180 days after the claim is denied.", "citation": "51 Okla. Stat. §§ 156(B), 157(B)", "source_url": "https://www.oklegislature.gov/OK_Statutes/CompleteTitles/os51.rtf" }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "Child abuse charges under Oklahoma's child abuse law, including physical abuse and neglect, can be filed until the victim's 45th birthday.", "citation": "22 Okla. Stat. § 152(C)(1)", "source_url": "https://www.oklegislature.gov/OK_Statutes/CompleteTitles/os22.rtf" }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "Three years for most assaults, felony or misdemeanor. Seven years if a deadly weapon was used in a felony.", "citation": "22 Okla. Stat. § 152(H), (K)", "source_url": "https://www.oklegislature.gov/OK_Statutes/CompleteTitles/os22.rtf" } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "ok-behavioral-health-licensure", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health Licensure", "what_it_can_do": "Enforces the rules governing Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marital and Family Therapists and Licensed Behavioral Practitioners, and disciplines their licences. It also takes complaints about people delivering counseling services with no licence at all.", "who_to_report": "An LPC, LMFT or LBP in Oklahoma, a candidate for one of those licences, or somebody practising without one. Psychologists are licensed separately by the Oklahoma State Board of Examiners of Psychologists.", "how": "Oklahoma calls this a Request for Inquiry rather than a complaint. Anyone may file one, and it has to be in writing.", "complaint_url": "https://oklahoma.gov/behavioralhealth/file-a-complaint.html", "info_url": "https://oklahoma.gov/behavioralhealth.html", "phone": "405-522-3696", "email": "Info.BehavioralHealth@bbhl.ok.gov", "mail": "State Board of Behavioral Health Licensure, 3815 N Santa Fe, Ste. 110, Oklahoma City, OK 73118", "anonymous": "not-allowed", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://oklahoma.gov/behavioralhealth/file-a-complaint.html", "https://oklahoma.gov/behavioralhealth.html" ] }, { "id": "ok-office-client-advocacy", "category": "oversight", "name": "Oklahoma Office of Client Advocacy, Investigations Unit", "what_it_can_do": "Investigates abuse, neglect, exploitation and caretaker misconduct involving children living in Office of Juvenile Affairs facilities, day treatment programs and other congregate care settings.", "who_to_report": "A child in an Oklahoma congregate care setting - which is what most programs in this industry are.", "how": "Report online at abuseisnotok.org, call the statewide hotline, or contact OCA intake directly.", "complaint_url": "https://www.ourokdhs.org/s/reportabuse", "info_url": "https://oklahoma.gov/health/about-us/office-of-accountability-systems/office-of-client-advocacy.html", "phone": "405-522-2720", "phone_note": "OCA Intake. The 24-hour statewide hotline is 1-800-522-3511.", "email": "oca.intake@health.ok.gov", "anonymous": "allowed", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://oklahoma.gov/health/about-us/office-of-accountability-systems/office-of-client-advocacy.html" ] }, { "id": "ok-child-abuse-hotline", "category": "legal", "name": "Oklahoma Statewide Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline", "what_it_can_do": "The statutory 24-hour report line. Where a complaint about a residential child care facility rises to abuse or neglect it is referred to Child Welfare Services to screen and investigate; other allegations go to Child Care Services.", "who_to_report": "A child at an Oklahoma program.", "how": "Call, or report online through abuseisnotok.org.", "complaint_url": "https://www.ourokdhs.org/s/reportabuse", "info_url": "https://oklahoma.gov/okdhs/services/reportabuse.html", "phone": "1-800-522-3511", "phone_note": "24 hours a day, seven days a week.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://oklahoma.gov/okdhs/services/reportabuse.html" ] }, { "id": "ok-disability-law-center", "category": "oversight", "name": "Disability Rights Oklahoma", "what_it_can_do": "Oklahoma's Protection and Advocacy agency, with federal authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities, a right of access to them, and free legal advocacy.", "who_to_report": "An Oklahoma program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line.", "info_url": "https://drok.org/", "phone": "1-800-880-7755", "phone_note": "Voice and TDD. Main line 405-525-7755.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=oklahoma" ], "note": "Operates as Disability Rights Oklahoma (DROK); the older Oklahoma Disability Law Center name and okdlc.org address still redirect here." }, { "id": "ok-child-care-services-licensing", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "Oklahoma Human Services, Child Care Services licensing", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses residential child care facilities in Oklahoma and investigates the complaint allegations that do not rise to abuse or neglect - conditions, staffing, supervision, compliance with the licensing requirements.", "who_to_report": "A licensed Oklahoma residential facility, where the issue is how the place is run. Anything amounting to abuse or neglect is referred instead to Child Welfare Services.", "how": "Report through the statewide hotline or the online reporting site; Oklahoma routes the allegation to whichever of the two units should handle it.", "complaint_url": "https://www.ourokdhs.org/s/reportabuse", "info_url": "https://oklahoma.gov/okdhs/services/child-care-services.html", "phone": "1-800-522-3511", "anonymous": "allowed", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://oklahoma.gov/okdhs/services/reportabuse.html" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/oklahoma/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "The civil SOL for CSA, trafficking, and CSAM claims is age 45 against perpetrators and age 20 against all other defendants." ], "criminal": [ "CSA: The criminal SOL for CSA is age 45 with a DNA rule, and 3 years from the offense for other felonies and misdemeanors.", "Trafficking: The SOL for trafficking is age 45.", "CSAM: The SOL for CSAM offenses is age 45." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "Oregon", "abbr": "OR", "slug": "oregon", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "Oregon's mental health licensing boards sit under one agency, the Mental Health Regulatory Agency, which investigates on its own initiative as well as on complaints - it names newspaper articles and broadcasts as a reason it will open a case, which is unusually explicit. Licensees in Oregon are themselves required to report a colleague they believe is in breach, which is worth knowing if you are a clinician who has seen something.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "Two years for assault, battery, false imprisonment or other injury, including negligence. Abuse suffered as a child has a much longer deadline (see below).", "citation": "Or. Rev. Stat. § 12.110(1)", "source_url": "https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors012.html" }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "For physical or serious emotional abuse by an adult while you were under 18, you can sue until you turn 40, or within five years after you realize the abuse caused your injury, whichever is later. For other injuries, being a minor pauses the clock only until one year after your 18th birthday, and never by more than five years.", "citation": "Or. Rev. Stat. §§ 12.117(1)(a), 12.160", "source_url": "https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors012.html" }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "For claims against a state agency, county, city or other public body, a notice of claim is due within 180 days of the injury, and the lawsuit within two years. Youth in the custody of the Department of Human Services or the Oregon Youth Authority do not need to give the notice for claims against those agencies.", "citation": "Or. Rev. Stat. § 30.275(2), (8), (9)", "source_url": "https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors030.html" }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "First-degree criminal mistreatment of a child (a felony) and felony strangulation: six years, or if the victim was under 18, before the victim turns 30 or within 12 years of a report to police or child welfare, whichever comes first. Other felony physical abuse such as assault: three years.", "citation": "Or. Rev. Stat. § 131.125(3)(a)-(b), (8)", "source_url": "https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors131.html", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "Three years for felony assault. Misdemeanor assault must be charged within two years.", "citation": "Or. Rev. Stat. § 131.125(8)", "source_url": "https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors131.html" } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "or-mental-health-regulatory-agency", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "Oregon Mental Health Regulatory Agency", "what_it_can_do": "Runs compliance for the Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists (LPCs, LMFTs and registered associates) and the Board of Psychology. Its staff investigate licensees, registrants and people practising without a licence, and the boards discipline those found in breach.", "who_to_report": "A counselor, marriage and family therapist or psychologist in Oregon, or somebody practising as one without a licence. Social workers have their own board.", "how": "Use the online complaint form for the relevant board.", "complaint_url": "https://www.oregon.gov/mhra/pages/complaint.aspx", "info_url": "https://www.oregon.gov/oblpct/Pages/Compliance.aspx", "phone": "503-378-5499", "email": "lpct.board@mhra.oregon.gov", "mail": "Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists, 3218 Pringle Rd SE #120, Salem, OR 97302-6312", "anonymous": "discouraged", "note": "The Board will not confirm who complained, and says it makes every effort to protect a complainant who wants anonymity - but warns that your identity may become obvious through the investigation itself.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.oregon.gov/mhra/pages/complaint.aspx", "https://www.oregon.gov/oblpct/Pages/Compliance.aspx" ] }, { "id": "or-oha-licensing-certification", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "Oregon Health Authority, Licensing and Certification (Residential and Outpatient Behavioral Health Programs)", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses and certifies residential and outpatient behavioral health programs in Oregon and investigates complaints about them. Every complaint is assigned to a compliance specialist who follows it up with you and with the program.", "who_to_report": "The program itself.", "how": "Fill in the Licensing and Certification Complaint Intake Form in full, attach supporting documents, and send it by secure email or post. You can also phone a member of the unit.", "complaint_url": "https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HSD/AMH-LC/Pages/Complaints.aspx", "info_url": "https://www.oregon.gov/oha/hsd/amh-lc/pages/index.aspx", "phone": "503-378-8467", "email": "LCCTMS.Complaints@oha.oregon.gov", "mail": "Licensing & Certification, 500 Summer Street NE - E86, Salem, OR 97301", "anonymous": "unknown", "note": "The Division aims to resolve a complaint within 30 days and sends a resolution letter saying what it found and what happens next.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HSD/AMH-LC/Pages/Complaints.aspx" ] }, { "id": "or-child-abuse-hotline", "category": "legal", "name": "Oregon Child Abuse Hotline", "what_it_can_do": "The statutory report line for child abuse and neglect, open every hour of every day. A Child Welfare screener takes the report.", "who_to_report": "A child at an Oregon program. The Health Authority's own licensing pages send you here when abuse is suspected, rather than to the licensing complaint route.", "how": "Call. The screener will ask for the child's name, age and where they are. What you tell them is kept confidential.", "info_url": "https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/report-abuse/pages/default.aspx", "phone": "1-855-503-7233", "phone_note": "855-503-SAFE. 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/report-abuse/pages/default.aspx", "https://www.oregon.gov/oha/hsd/amh-lc/pages/index.aspx" ] }, { "id": "or-disability-rights-oregon", "category": "oversight", "name": "Disability Rights Oregon", "what_it_can_do": "Oregon's Protection and Advocacy agency, with federal authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities, a right of access to them, and free legal advocacy.", "who_to_report": "An Oregon program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line.", "info_url": "https://droregon.org/", "phone": "1-800-452-1694", "phone_note": "Main line 503-243-2081.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=oregon" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/oregon/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "CSA: The civil SOL for CSA claims against all defendants is age 40 with a 5-year discovery rule and revival up to age 40.", "Trafficking: The SOL for trafficking claims is the later of age 28 or 10 years after the trafficking ends.", "CSAM: The SOL for CSAM claims against all defendants is age 40 with a 5-year discovery rule." ], "criminal": [ "CSA: The criminal SOL is age 30 for many CSA felonies and age 22 for third-degree sexual abuse, with a DNA elimination rule. The SOL is 3 years from the offense for any remaining felonies and 2 years from the offense for misdemeanors.", "Trafficking: The SOL for trafficking is 3 years from the offense.", "CSAM: The SOL for creation or possession of CSAM is either age 30 or 12 years after a report to law enforcement, whichever is earlier. The SOL is 3 years from the offense for other CSAM felonies." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "Pennsylvania", "abbr": "PA", "slug": "pennsylvania", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "Pennsylvania routes every complaint about a licensed professional through one bureau, the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, whichever board holds the licence. Its ChildLine is one of the clearer state hotlines: it takes both formal abuse referrals and general child well-being concerns, so you do not have to be certain you are describing abuse before you call.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "Two years for assault, battery, false imprisonment, or injury caused by negligence.", "citation": "42 Pa.C.S. § 5524(1), (2), (7)", "source_url": "https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/42/00.055.024.000..HTM" }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "If you were under 18 when you were hurt, the clock does not start until you turn 18. You then get the same two years as anyone else, so the deadline is your 20th birthday.", "citation": "42 Pa.C.S. § 5533(b)(1)", "source_url": "https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/42/00.055.033.000..HTM" }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "Before suing a state agency, county, school district or other government unit, you must file a written notice within six months of the injury; the lawsuit itself generally has the normal two-year deadline. Courts can excuse a late notice for a reasonable excuse.", "citation": "42 Pa.C.S. § 5522(a)", "source_url": "https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/42/00.055.022.000..HTM", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "Most physical abuse crimes must be charged within two years, or five years for aggravated assault. But if the abuser was a person responsible for the child's welfare, the clock does not start until the child turns 18.", "citation": "42 Pa.C.S. §§ 5552(a), (b)(1), 5554(3)", "source_url": "https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/42/00.055.054.000..HTM", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "Five years for aggravated assault. Simple assault and most other offenses must be charged within two years.", "citation": "42 Pa.C.S. § 5552(a), (b)(1)", "source_url": "https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/42/00.055.052.000..HTM" } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "pa-bureau-professional-occupational-affairs", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "Pennsylvania Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (BPOA)", "what_it_can_do": "Receives and processes every complaint against a state-licensed professional in Pennsylvania, including those under the State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, and the State Board of Psychology. The Department's Bureau of Enforcement and Investigation does the investigating, and the boards discipline the licence.", "who_to_report": "A licensed social worker, marriage and family therapist, professional counselor or psychologist in Pennsylvania. Any member of the public can file.", "how": "Use the Department of State's complaint form for a PA-licensed professional.", "complaint_url": "https://www.pa.gov/services/dos/file-a-complaint-against-a-pa-licensed-professional", "info_url": "https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dos/department-and-offices/bpoa/boards-commissions/social-workers-marriage-family-therapists-professional-counselors", "phone": "1-833-367-2762", "phone_note": "1-833-DOS-BPOA.", "mail": "State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dos/department-and-offices/bpoa/boards-commissions/social-workers-marriage-family-therapists-professional-counselors", "https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dos/programs/professional-licensing" ] }, { "id": "pa-childline", "category": "legal", "name": "Pennsylvania ChildLine", "what_it_can_do": "The statewide child protective services referral line. Trained specialists take both suspected abuse referrals and general child well-being concerns, and decide what happens next with each one.", "who_to_report": "A child at a Pennsylvania program. You do not have to be sure it is abuse - ChildLine explicitly takes general well-being concerns too.", "how": "Call, at any hour. Mandated reporters have a separate electronic route; permissive reporters - anyone else - may report anonymously.", "complaint_url": "https://www.pa.gov/services/dhs/report-child-abuse-or-neglect", "info_url": "https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/resources/keep-kids-safe/report-child-abuse", "phone": "1-800-932-0313", "phone_note": "24 hours a day, seven days a week. TDD 1-866-872-1677.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "note": "Pennsylvania distinguishes mandated reporters, who must report and have their own portal, from permissive reporters, who are encouraged to and may do so anonymously.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/report-abuse", "https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/resources/keep-kids-safe/report-child-abuse" ] }, { "id": "pa-disability-rights-pennsylvania", "category": "oversight", "name": "Disability Rights Pennsylvania", "what_it_can_do": "Pennsylvania's Protection and Advocacy agency, with federal authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities, a right of access to them, and free legal advocacy.", "who_to_report": "A Pennsylvania program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line.", "info_url": "https://www.disabilityrightspa.org/", "phone": "1-800-692-7443", "phone_note": "Main line 717-236-8110; TDD 717-346-0293.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=pennsylvania" ] }, { "id": "pa-children-youth-residential-licensing", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "Pennsylvania DHS, Office of Children, Youth and Families residential licensing", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses the private providers running residential and day treatment, secure care and transitional living settings for children in Pennsylvania, alongside county child welfare offices. It inspects them, and can impose a provisional licence or revoke one outright.", "who_to_report": "A licensed children's residential or day treatment provider operating out of compliance.", "how": "File through the Department's certification and licensing complaint form. Check the provider directory first: Pennsylvania publishes each facility's licensing status and its completed inspection reports.", "complaint_url": "https://www.pa.gov/services/dhs/file-a-child-care-facility-complaint", "info_url": "https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/resources/licensing/children-youth-residential-licensing", "anonymous": "unknown", "note": "The Department publishes a quarterly licensing report and an online provider directory carrying every licensed facility's status and inspection history.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/resources/licensing/children-youth-residential-licensing", "https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/resources/licensing" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/pennsylvania/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "The civil SOL for CSA, trafficking, and CSAM claims against all defendants is age 55." ], "criminal": [ "CSA: There is no criminal SOL for many CSA offenses and the SOL is age 55 for all other CSA felonies and misdemeanors.", "Trafficking: There is no SOL for trafficking offenses.", "CSAM: The SOL is age 55 for CSAM offenses." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "Rhode Island", "abbr": "RI", "slug": "rhode-island", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "Rhode Island's reporting law names this industry directly: under RIGL 40-11-3 every person in the state must report suspected child abuse or neglect within 24 hours, and the law defines abuse to include injury, sexual abuse or exploitation, negligent treatment or maltreatment by any employee of a residential facility or any staff person providing out-of-home care. The same department licenses those facilities and takes the reports.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "Three years for injuries to the person, which covers assault, battery and negligence.", "citation": "R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14(b)", "source_url": "https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE9/9-1/9-1-14.htm" }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "If you were under 18 when you were hurt, the three years start at 18, so the deadline is your 21st birthday.", "citation": "R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-19", "source_url": "https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE9/9-1/9-1-19.htm" }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "Tort claims against the state, a city or town must be filed within three years of the injury; for a city or town, the claim must first be presented to the town or city council.", "citation": "R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 9-1-25(a), 45-15-5", "source_url": "https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE9/9-1/9-1-25.htm", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "Three years. Rhode Island's felony child abuse law (Brendan's Law) has no special deadline, so the general three-year rule applies, with no pause until the child turns 18.", "citation": "R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-12-17(c); § 11-9-5.3", "source_url": "https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE12/12-12/12-12-17.htm", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "Three years for felony assault, and three years for misdemeanor assault as well.", "citation": "R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-12-17(c)", "source_url": "https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE12/12-12/12-12-17.htm" } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "ri-health-licensee-complaints", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "Rhode Island Department of Health, licensee complaints", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses and disciplines Rhode Island's clinical mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, social workers and psychologists through its boards, and takes complaints against all of them through one route.", "who_to_report": "A licensed mental health professional in Rhode Island.", "how": "Submit a complaint through the Department's licensee complaints page.", "complaint_url": "https://health.ri.gov/licensing/submit-complaint", "info_url": "https://health.ri.gov/licensing/marriage-family-and-mental-health-therapy", "phone": "401-222-5960", "phone_note": "Psychology Licensing Board. Department main line 401-222-5500.", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://health.ri.gov/licensing/marriage-family-and-mental-health-therapy", "https://health.ri.gov/licensing/submit-complaint" ] }, { "id": "ri-dcyf-licensing", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "Rhode Island DCYF Licensing", "what_it_can_do": "Under RI General Law 42-72.1 the Department of Children, Youth and Families licenses, monitors and enforces the regulations for every foster home, residential facility and child-placing agency in the state.", "who_to_report": "A Rhode Island residential facility.", "how": "Complain to the Department's licensing staff. If you are not satisfied with the decision, there is a right of appeal to a judicial forum.", "complaint_url": "https://datadcyf.ri.gov/policyregs/complaints_and_hearings.htm", "info_url": "https://dcyf.ri.gov/services/licensing", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dcyf.ri.gov/services/licensing", "https://datadcyf.ri.gov/policyregs/complaints_and_hearings.htm" ] }, { "id": "ri-child-abuse-hotline", "category": "legal", "name": "Rhode Island Child Abuse Hotline", "what_it_can_do": "The statutory report line, open around the clock. Rhode Island law defines reportable abuse to include maltreatment by any employee of a residential facility or staff person providing out-of-home care, so conduct inside a program is squarely covered.", "who_to_report": "A child under 18 at a Rhode Island program. Every person in Rhode Island is required to report within 24 hours of knowing or suspecting.", "how": "Call. All calls are recorded, and you may call anonymously.", "complaint_url": "https://dcyf.ri.gov/contact-us/report-child-abuse-or-neglect", "info_url": "https://dcyf.ri.gov/services/child-protective-services", "phone": "1-800-742-4453", "phone_note": "1-800-RI-CHILD. 24 hours a day, seven days a week.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "deadline": "The duty is to report within 24 hours of knowing or suspecting - a deadline on the reporter, not on the abuse.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dcyf.ri.gov/contact-us/report-child-abuse-or-neglect", "https://dcyf.ri.gov/services/child-protective-services" ] }, { "id": "ri-disability-rights-rhode-island", "category": "oversight", "name": "Disability Rights Rhode Island", "what_it_can_do": "Rhode Island's Protection and Advocacy agency, with federal authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities, a right of access to them, and free legal advocacy.", "who_to_report": "A Rhode Island program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line.", "info_url": "https://www.drri.org/", "phone": "1-800-733-5332", "phone_note": "Main line 401-831-3150; TTY 401-831-5335.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=rhode-island" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/rhode-island/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "CSA: The civil SOL for all CSA claims against all defendants is age 53 with a 7-year discovery rule and revival up to age 53 against perpetrators only.", "Trafficking: The civil SOL for trafficking claims against perpetrators is age 28.", "CSAM: The civil SOL for CSAM claims against all defendants is age 53." ], "criminal": [ "CSA: There is no criminal SOL for certain CSA felonies. For any remaining felonies and misdemeanors, the SOL is 3 years from the offense.", "Trafficking: The SOL for trafficking is 10 years from the offense.", "CSAM: The SOL for CSAM violations is 3 years from the offense." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "South Carolina", "abbr": "SC", "slug": "south-carolina", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "South Carolina has a division specifically for this: Out of Home Abuse and Neglect, inside the Department of Social Services, which handles abuse and neglect of people in facilities rather than in family homes. That is the right first call for something that happened inside a program, and it has its own daytime and after-hours numbers.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "Three years for assault, battery or injury from negligence, counted from when you knew or should have known you had a claim. False imprisonment has a shorter two-year deadline.", "citation": "S.C. Code §§ 15-3-530(5), 15-3-535, 15-3-550(1)", "source_url": "https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t15c003.php" }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "Time spent under 18 does not count, but the extra time can never go past one year after your 18th birthday. So a person hurt as a child has at least until age 19, or longer if the normal three years from the injury (or from discovery) ends later.", "citation": "S.C. Code § 15-3-40", "source_url": "https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t15c003.php", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "Claims against the state or a county, city or other local government under the Tort Claims Act must be filed in court within two years of when the loss was or should have been discovered, or within three years if a verified claim was first filed with the agency (that claim is due within one year). Being a minor extends this under the rule above.", "citation": "S.C. Code §§ 15-78-110, 15-78-80(d)", "source_url": "https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t15c078.php" }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "No time limit. South Carolina has no general statute of limitations for crimes, so child abuse can be charged at any time.", "citation": "No statute; South Carolina has no general criminal statute of limitations", "source_url": "https://scsolicitor14.org/crime-to-court/", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "No time limit for felony or misdemeanor assault. South Carolina has no general statute of limitations for crimes.", "citation": "No statute; South Carolina has no general criminal statute of limitations", "source_url": "https://scsolicitor14.org/crime-to-court/", "uncertain": true } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "sc-llr-boards", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, Office of Investigations and Enforcement", "what_it_can_do": "Investigates complaints against licensed professionals - including professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychologists and social workers - and against unlicensed people practising a profession that requires a licence, to decide whether the facts alleged could breach the law regulating that profession.", "who_to_report": "Any licensed mental health professional in South Carolina, or somebody practising without the licence.", "how": "Use the online complaint system, or call. State the facts briefly and clearly, give the name, address and phone number of every witness and what each of them knows, and attach any documents, records, statements or contracts that help.", "complaint_url": "https://llr.sc.gov/fileacomplaint.aspx", "info_url": "https://llr.sc.gov/for/complaint.aspx", "phone": "803-896-4470", "phone_note": "Complaints. The Counselors board direct line is 803-896-4658.", "email": "Contact.Counselor@llr.sc.gov", "mail": "SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, 110 Centerview Dr, Columbia, SC 29210", "anonymous": "unknown", "note": "The Department puts the burden on you: it says the complaining party is responsible for making sure everything needed is on the form.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://llr.sc.gov/fileacomplaint.aspx", "https://llr.sc.gov/for/complaint.aspx" ] }, { "id": "sc-out-of-home-abuse-neglect", "category": "legal", "name": "South Carolina DSS, Out of Home Abuse and Neglect (OHAN)", "what_it_can_do": "The Department of Social Services division that investigates abuse and neglect of people living in facilities, as distinct from abuse in a family home.", "who_to_report": "A young person abused or neglected inside a South Carolina facility. This is the right first call for something that happened in a program.", "how": "Call the daytime line during office hours, or the after-hours number outside them.", "info_url": "https://dss.sc.gov/contact-dss", "phone": "803-898-7669", "phone_note": "8:30am to 5:00pm. After hours, 1-800-645-9789.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.disabilityrightssc.org/resources/abuse-neglect/", "https://dss.sc.gov/contact-dss" ] }, { "id": "sc-child-abuse-hotline", "category": "legal", "name": "South Carolina child abuse and neglect hotline", "what_it_can_do": "The Department of Social Services 24-hour line for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect.", "who_to_report": "A child at a South Carolina program. For abuse inside a facility, Out of Home Abuse and Neglect is the more specific route.", "how": "Call.", "complaint_url": "https://dss.sc.gov/child-well-being/report-child-abuse-and-neglect", "phone": "1-888-227-3487", "phone_note": "1-888-CARE4US. 24 hours a day, seven days a week.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dss.sc.gov/child-well-being/report-child-abuse-and-neglect" ] }, { "id": "sc-disability-rights-south-carolina", "category": "oversight", "name": "Disability Rights South Carolina", "what_it_can_do": "South Carolina's Protection and Advocacy agency, with federal authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities, a right of access to them, and free legal advocacy. It publishes its own guide to reporting abuse in a facility, naming each agency.", "who_to_report": "A South Carolina program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line, or start from its reporting guide.", "complaint_url": "https://www.disabilityrightssc.org/request-help/", "info_url": "https://www.disabilityrightssc.org/resources/abuse-neglect/", "phone": "1-866-275-7273", "phone_note": "Main line 803-782-0639; TTY 1-866-232-4525.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.disabilityrightssc.org/resources/abuse-neglect/", "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=south-carolina" ] }, { "id": "sc-dss-child-care-licensing", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "South Carolina DSS child care and residential licensing", "what_it_can_do": "Sets the licensing standards for child care and group care facilities in South Carolina, inspects against them, investigates complaints and takes enforcement action. On receiving a regulatory complaint it must carry out an unannounced inspection of the facility.", "who_to_report": "A licensed facility, where the problem is a regulatory breach rather than a specific allegation of abuse.", "how": "File through the Department's complaint route. A complaint alleging immediate danger to children is investigated within 24 to 48 hours.", "complaint_url": "https://scchildcare.org/families/filing-a-complaint/", "info_url": "https://scchildcare.org/programs/child-care-licensing/", "anonymous": "unknown", "note": "The unannounced inspection is the point: a regulatory complaint forces the state through the door without warning.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://scchildcare.org/families/filing-a-complaint/", "https://scchildcare.org/programs/child-care-licensing/" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/south-carolina/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "The civil SOL for CSA, trafficking, and CSAM claims against all defendants is age 27 with a discovery rule." ], "criminal": [ "There is no criminal SOL for any felonies or misdemeanors, including for CSA, trafficking, and CSAM." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "South Dakota", "abbr": "SD", "slug": "south-dakota", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "South Dakota's child protection intake runs on office hours only - 8am to 5pm Central on weekdays - and the state tells you to call local law enforcement instead for anything urgent outside them. Its counseling board is unusually frank that the process is slow: the licensee gets 20 days to answer, everything then goes to a board member, and the Board says the whole thing is generally lengthy.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "Two years for assault, battery or false imprisonment. Three years for other personal injury claims, such as negligence.", "citation": "S.D. Codified Laws §§ 15-2-15(1), 15-2-14(3)", "source_url": "https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/15-2-15" }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "Time spent under 18 does not count, but the extra time can never go past one year after your 18th birthday. So a person hurt as a child has at least until age 19, or longer if the normal period from the injury ends later.", "citation": "S.D. Codified Laws § 15-2-22", "source_url": "https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/15-2-22", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "For injury claims against the state, a county, city, school district or other public entity, written notice must be given within 180 days of the injury. The notice does not extend the lawsuit deadline.", "citation": "S.D. Codified Laws § 3-21-2", "source_url": "https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/3-21-2" }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "Abuse of or cruelty to a minor (a felony) can be charged at any time before the victim turns 25. If the abuse is charged as aggravated assault instead, the limit is seven years from the offense.", "citation": "S.D. Codified Laws § 26-10-1", "source_url": "https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/26-10-1" }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "Seven years for aggravated assault and other lower-level felonies. Misdemeanor simple assault also has seven years.", "citation": "S.D. Codified Laws §§ 23A-42-2, 23A-42-1", "source_url": "https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/23A-42-2" } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "sd-counselors-mft-board", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "South Dakota Board of Examiners for Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses counselors and marriage and family therapists in South Dakota and reviews complaints against them, with board members investigating where needed.", "who_to_report": "A licensed counselor or marriage and family therapist in South Dakota. Social workers and psychologists have their own boards, which share an office in Spearfish on 605-642-1600.", "how": "Complete the Board's complaint form. A copy goes to the licensee, who has 20 days to respond in writing; everything then goes to a board member for review and any investigation.", "complaint_url": "https://dss.sd.gov/licensingboards/counselors/complaints.aspx", "info_url": "https://dss.sd.gov/licensingboards/counselors/counselors.aspx", "phone": "605-224-1721", "phone_note": "Fax 1-888-425-3032.", "email": "SDBCE@midwestsolutionssd.com", "mail": "SD Board of Examiners for Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists, P.O. Box 340, 1351 N. Harrison Ave., Pierre, SD 57501-0340", "anonymous": "not-allowed", "note": "All complaint proceedings are held in executive session, and the Board warns the process is generally lengthy.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dss.sd.gov/licensingboards/counselors/complaints.aspx", "https://dss.sd.gov/licensingboards/counselors/counselors.aspx" ] }, { "id": "sd-child-protection-services", "category": "legal", "name": "South Dakota Child Protection Services", "what_it_can_do": "The statutory report line for child abuse and neglect, run by the Department of Social Services.", "who_to_report": "A child at a South Dakota program.", "how": "Call during office hours. For an emergency before 8am, after 5pm, at a weekend or on a holiday, the Department tells you to contact local law enforcement instead.", "complaint_url": "https://dss.sd.gov/childprotection/protective.aspx", "info_url": "https://dss.sd.gov/childprotection/default.aspx", "phone": "1-877-244-0864", "phone_note": "Intake specialists 8am to 5pm Central, Monday to Friday. Outside those hours, call local law enforcement.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dss.sd.gov/childprotection/protective.aspx", "https://dss.sd.gov/childprotection/default.aspx" ] }, { "id": "sd-dss-licensing", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "South Dakota DSS licensing", "what_it_can_do": "The Department of Social Services licenses South Dakota's foster homes and residential facilities and maintains the state's abuse registry, which bars people from working in these settings.", "who_to_report": "A licensed South Dakota facility.", "how": "Contact the Department. Abuse and neglect go to Child Protection Services.", "info_url": "https://dss.sd.gov/contactus/", "phone": "1-877-244-0864", "phone_note": "Child Protection Services intake also takes concerns about licensed facilities.", "anonymous": "allowed", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dss.sd.gov/contactus/", "https://dss.sd.gov/childprotection/default.aspx" ] }, { "id": "sd-disability-rights-south-dakota", "category": "oversight", "name": "Disability Rights South Dakota", "what_it_can_do": "South Dakota's Protection and Advocacy agency, with federal authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities, a right of access to them, and free legal advocacy.", "who_to_report": "A South Dakota program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line.", "info_url": "https://drsdlaw.org/", "phone": "1-800-658-4782", "phone_note": "Voice and TTY. Main line 605-224-8294.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=south-dakota" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/south-dakota/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "CSA: The civil SOL for CSA claims against all defendants is age 19 with a 3-year discovery rule that has an upper age limit of 40 years for claims against non-perpetrator defendants.", "Trafficking: The civil SOL for trafficking claims is age 24.", "CSAM: The civil SOL for CSAM claims is age 24." ], "criminal": [ "CSA: There is no criminal SOL for first- and second-degree rape. The SOL is either age 25 or 7 years from the offense for other felonies and misdemeanors.", "Trafficking: The SOL is 7 years from the offense for trafficking.", "CSAM: The SOL for CSAM is 7 years from the offense." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "Tennessee", "abbr": "TN", "slug": "tennessee", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "Three Tennessee specifics. The abuse hotline stops taking calls at weekends - from 11pm Central Friday to 11pm Central Sunday it plays a recording sending you to the online portal - so if something happens on a Saturday, use the portal. Licensing splits on whether a program calls itself clinical: DCS licenses the non-clinical residential programs, the Health Facilities Commission licenses the healthcare facilities. And unlike most states, the Department of Health says it will not reveal a complainant's name to the practitioner.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "One year for personal injury, including assault, battery, negligence and false imprisonment. It becomes two years if the person who hurt you is criminally prosecuted for it (and you sue that person).", "citation": "Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104(a)", "source_url": "https://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/2025/title-28/chapter-3/part-1/section-28-3-104/" }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "If you were under 18 when you were hurt, the clock starts at 18. With the one-year injury deadline, that means suing before your 19th birthday.", "citation": "Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-1-106(a)", "source_url": "https://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/2025/title-28/chapter-1/section-28-1-106/" }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "Claims against a county, city or other local government must be filed within 12 months. Claims against the State go to the Claims Commission: written notice must be given to the state's Division of Claims and Risk Management within the normal deadline for that kind of claim (one year for injury).", "citation": "Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 29-20-305(b), 9-8-402(a)-(b)", "source_url": "https://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/2025/title-29/chapter-20/part-3/section-29-20-305/", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "Aggravated child abuse, neglect or endangerment (serious injury, a weapon, or torture): until 10 years after the victim turns 18, or longer if the normal felony period is longer. Ordinary felony child abuse of a teenager (injury, Class E felony): only two years from the offense.", "citation": "Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-2-101(n), (b)(4); § 39-15-402; § 39-15-401(a)", "source_url": "https://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/2025/title-40/chapter-2/section-40-2-101/" }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "Four years for most aggravated assault (Class C or D felony). Misdemeanor assault must be charged within 12 months.", "citation": "Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 40-2-101(b)(3), 40-2-102(a), 39-13-102(d)", "source_url": "https://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/2025/title-40/chapter-2/section-40-2-101/" } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "tn-health-related-boards", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "Tennessee Department of Health, Health Related Boards, Office of Investigations", "what_it_can_do": "Investigates complaints against every mental health practitioner the state licenses - professional counselors, marital and family therapists, clinical pastoral therapists, social workers and psychologists - through one Office of Investigations. A board consultant and a department attorney decide whether the statutes or rules were broken.", "what_it_cannot_do": "If they conclude there was no statutory violation the file is closed, and all you get is a letter telling you so.", "who_to_report": "Any licensed or certified mental health practitioner in Tennessee.", "how": "Complete an Allegations Report form and the voluntary Release of Information form, attach your evidence, and send them in. Call the Office of Investigations first if you want to talk it through, or to ask whether the practitioner has been disciplined before.", "complaint_url": "https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/healthprofboards/PH-3466.pdf", "info_url": "https://www.tn.gov/health/licensure/pct.html", "phone": "1-800-852-2187", "phone_note": "Office of Investigations. Board office 615-741-5735, or 1-800-778-4123 nationwide.", "email": "Unit1HRB.Health@tn.gov", "mail": "Health Related Boards, 665 Mainstream Drive, 2nd Floor, Nashville, TN 37243", "anonymous": "discouraged", "note": "Your name is not revealed to the practitioner - the Department says the complainant's identity is confidential. You are given a complaint number and written notice when the case reaches a disposition. A complaint only becomes public if the Department files a notice of charges. The Department's website was being relaunched when this was checked, so some of its pages have moved.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/healthprofboards/PH-3466.pdf", "https://www.tn.gov/health/licensure/pct.html" ] }, { "id": "tn-health-facilities-commission", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "Tennessee Health Facilities Commission, Complaint Intake Unit", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses and regulates healthcare facilities in Tennessee and takes complaints against licensed, certified and unlicensed ones alike - the unlicensed part matters in this industry. It publishes facility action and abuse reports, and survey deficiencies for any facility taking Medicare or TennCare.", "who_to_report": "A facility providing clinical treatment, or one you believe is operating without a licence.", "how": "Use the public complaints portal, call the intake unit, or ask them to post you a complaint form.", "complaint_url": "https://www.tn.gov/hfc/division-of-licensure-and-regulation/filing-a-complaint.html", "info_url": "https://www.tn.gov/hfc/publication-and-reports/facility-action-and-abuse-reports.html", "phone": "1-877-287-0010", "phone_note": "Toll free, Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm.", "mail": "Tennessee Health Facilities Commission, Andrew Jackson Building, 9th Floor, 502 Deaderick Street, Nashville, TN 37243", "anonymous": "allowed", "note": "The online Public Records and Complaints portal opened to the public in July 2025 and is the quickest route.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.tn.gov/hfc/division-of-licensure-and-regulation/filing-a-complaint.html" ] }, { "id": "tn-child-welfare-licensing", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "Tennessee DCS, Office of Child Welfare Licensing", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses and regulates Tennessee's non-clinical residential programs for children and youth, including private foster care programs, runaway houses and maternity homes, and takes complaints about them. Its board of review weighs the safety and best interests of the children, the training and character of the staff, and whether caregivers will actually protect children from harm.", "what_it_cannot_do": "It does not licence a facility providing clinical treatment; that is the Health Facilities Commission, or the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.", "who_to_report": "A non-clinical residential program, or a program you believe is operating without the licence it needs.", "how": "Email the licensing office with the details, or call the child care complaint hotline.", "info_url": "https://www.tn.gov/dcs/program-areas/licensing.html", "phone": "1-800-462-8261", "email": "EI_DCS.Licensing@tn.gov", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.tn.gov/dcs/program-areas/licensing.html" ] }, { "id": "tn-child-abuse-hotline", "category": "legal", "name": "Tennessee Child Abuse Hotline", "what_it_can_do": "The statutory report line for child abuse and neglect, run by the Department of Children's Services.", "who_to_report": "A child at a Tennessee program. Tennessee Code 37-1-403 makes everyone in the state a mandated reporter.", "how": "Call, or use the secure online referral portal. At weekends the phone line redirects you to the portal, so use it directly then.", "complaint_url": "https://carat.app.tn.gov/carat/", "info_url": "https://www.tn.gov/dcs/program-areas/child-safety/report-child-abuse.html", "phone": "1-877-237-0004", "phone_note": "24 hours on weekdays. From 11pm Central Friday to 11pm Central Sunday the call is redirected to the online portal.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.tn.gov/dcs/program-areas/child-safety/report-child-abuse.html" ] }, { "id": "tn-disability-rights-tennessee", "category": "oversight", "name": "Disability Rights Tennessee", "what_it_can_do": "Tennessee's Protection and Advocacy agency, with federal authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities, a right of access to them, and free legal advocacy.", "who_to_report": "A Tennessee program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line.", "info_url": "https://www.disabilityrightstn.org/", "phone": "1-800-342-1660", "phone_note": "Main line 615-298-1080; TTY 1-800-852-2852.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=tennessee" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/tennessee/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "The civil SOL for CSA, trafficking, and CSAM claims against all defendants is age 33 with a 3-year discovery rule." ], "criminal": [ "There is no SOL for all CSA felonies and many misdemeanors, including trafficking and CSAM, but admissible and credible evidence corroborating the charges is required where a victim is now over age 43, was abused between ages 13 and 17, and did not report the abuse." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "Texas", "abbr": "TX", "slug": "texas", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "Texas folds the psychology, counseling, social work and marriage and family therapy boards into one council, BHEC, so one form covers most therapists; psychiatrists are separate, under the Medical Board. Texas is also one of the few states that publishes its filing deadline plainly, and it is longer than most: five years, and longer still for sexual misconduct.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "Two years for personal injury, which covers assault, battery, negligence and false imprisonment.", "citation": "Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003(a)", "source_url": "https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/CP/htm/CP.16.htm" }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "If you were under 18 when you were hurt, the time before your 18th birthday does not count. The two years start at 18, so the deadline is your 20th birthday.", "citation": "Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.001(a)-(b)", "source_url": "https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/CP/htm/CP.16.htm" }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "The Texas Tort Claims Act does not cover assault, battery, false imprisonment or other intentional harm, so those claims generally cannot be brought against a state or local government program at all; a survivor may need to sue the staff or a private contractor instead. For negligence claims it does cover, notice is due within six months of the incident unless the government already knew of the injury.", "citation": "Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §§ 101.057, 101.101", "source_url": "https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/CP/htm/CP.101.htm", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "Felony injury to a child and felony abandoning or endangering a child can be charged until 10 years after the victim's 18th birthday (the victim's 28th birthday).", "citation": "Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 12.01(7)", "source_url": "https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/CR/htm/CR.12.htm" }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "Five years for aggravated assault. Most other felonies: three years. Misdemeanor assault: two years (three for family violence).", "citation": "Tex. Code Crim. Proc. arts. 12.01(4)(I), 12.01(11), 12.02", "source_url": "https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/CR/htm/CR.12.htm" } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "tx-bhec", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC)", "what_it_can_do": "Investigates and prosecutes professional misconduct by psychologists, psychological associates, licensed specialists in school psychology, professional counselors, marriage and family therapists and social workers. It can discipline a licence up to revoking it.", "what_it_cannot_do": "It will not open an investigation at all unless the complaint arrives on its own form, and the whole complaint file is confidential by statute, so you cannot later obtain the investigation report.", "who_to_report": "A therapist holding any Texas behavioral health licence. If the person is a psychiatrist, use the Medical Board instead.", "how": "Fill in the Council's complaint form and email it to Enforcement@bhec.texas.gov or post it. Send supporting material with it; the Council asks for it.", "complaint_url": "https://bhec.texas.gov/tbhec/discipline-and-complaints/how-to-file-a-complaint/", "info_url": "https://bhec.texas.gov/tbhec/complaints-enforcement-faqs/", "phone": "1-800-821-3205", "phone_note": "24-hour toll-free complaints line. Main office 512-305-7700.", "email": "Enforcement@bhec.texas.gov", "mail": "Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, 1801 Congress Ave., Ste. 7.300, Austin, TX 78701", "anonymous": "discouraged", "deadline": "Generally five years from the date services ended. For sexual misconduct, seven years from the date services ended or five years from the client's 18th birthday, whichever is later.", "note": "The licensee is sent a copy of the complaint including your name, unless you file anonymously. File anonymously and you will not be told the outcome. The Council aims to resolve complaints in six to twelve months.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://bhec.texas.gov/tbhec/complaints-enforcement-faqs/" ] }, { "id": "tx-medical-board", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Psychiatrist", "name": "Texas Medical Board", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses and disciplines physicians, which in this industry means the psychiatrist who signed off the medication or the medical director whose name is on the program.", "who_to_report": "A doctor, including a psychiatrist. Not a therapist or counselor - those go to BHEC.", "how": "File through the online complaint portal, or call the hotline and follow the prompts to be sent a paper form. It must be in writing.", "complaint_url": "https://www.tmb.texas.gov/resources/for-the-public/complaint-about-licensee", "info_url": "https://www.tmb.texas.gov/resources/for-the-public/consumer-and-public-guide", "phone": "1-800-201-9353", "phone_note": "Complaint hotline. Main line 512-305-7100; help with the online portal on 512-305-7030.", "anonymous": "not-allowed", "note": "The Board does not accept anonymous complaints, but your identity is confidential by law once you file.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.tmb.texas.gov/resources/for-the-public/complaint-about-licensee", "https://www.tmb.texas.gov/resources/for-the-public/consumer-and-public-guide" ] }, { "id": "tx-hhs-complaint-intake", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "Texas HHS Complaint and Incident Intake", "what_it_can_do": "The single intake point for complaints about any provider Texas HHS regulates, including allegations of abuse, neglect and exploitation by the provider. It routes them to the regulatory division that can inspect the facility and act on its licence.", "who_to_report": "The program itself: how it is run, how it is staffed, what it does to the young people in it.", "how": "Report online through the Texas Unified Licensure Information Portal (TULIP), or call. Email is accepted for complaints, though not for urgent ones.", "complaint_url": "https://tulip.hhs.texas.gov/HCRComplaint/s/", "info_url": "https://www.hhs.texas.gov/contact/complaints-appeals/complaint-incident-intake", "phone": "1-800-458-9858", "email": "ciicomplaints@hhs.texas.gov", "anonymous": "allowed", "note": "For an inpatient substance use facility specifically, HHSC Health Care Regulation has its own line on 1-888-973-0022.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.hhs.texas.gov/contact/complaints-appeals/complaint-incident-intake", "https://www.dfps.texas.gov/contact_us/report_abuse.asp" ] }, { "id": "tx-abuse-hotline", "category": "legal", "name": "Texas Abuse Hotline (Department of Family and Protective Services)", "what_it_can_do": "The statutory report line for child abuse and neglect in Texas, including abuse of children in child care facilities and treatment centers, which DFPS investigates through its Child Care Investigations division.", "who_to_report": "A child at a Texas program right now. If the danger is immediate, call 911 first.", "how": "Call the hotline, or report through the secure website, which promises a response within 24 hours. DFPS will not take a report by email and cannot accept photos or recordings that way.", "complaint_url": "https://www.txabusehotline.org/", "info_url": "https://www.dfps.texas.gov/contact_us/report_abuse.asp", "phone": "1-800-252-5400", "phone_note": "24 hours a day, every day, from anywhere in the country.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.dfps.texas.gov/contact_us/report_abuse.asp" ] }, { "id": "tx-medicaid-fraud-control-unit", "category": "legal", "name": "Texas Attorney General, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit", "what_it_can_do": "Criminally investigates abuse and neglect of patients in facilities that take Medicaid, along with misappropriation of a patient's money or property, and Medicaid provider fraud. It can bring criminal charges.", "who_to_report": "A Medicaid-funded program where a young person was abused or neglected, or where money or property went missing.", "how": "Call the unit. It has field offices in Austin, Corpus Christi, El Paso, Grand Prairie, Houston, Lubbock, Pharr and San Antonio.", "info_url": "https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/divisions/law-enforcement/medicaid-fraud-control-unit", "phone": "1-800-252-8011", "phone_note": "Direct line 512-371-4700.", "mail": "Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Office of the Attorney General, PO Box 12548, Austin, TX 78711-2548", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/divisions/law-enforcement/medicaid-fraud-control-unit" ] }, { "id": "tx-disability-rights-texas", "category": "oversight", "name": "Disability Rights Texas", "what_it_can_do": "Texas's federally mandated Protection and Advocacy agency. It can investigate abuse and neglect where a person with a disability receives services, has a right of access to the facility, and provides free legal advocacy. It publishes its own guide to complaining about inpatient mental health services.", "who_to_report": "A Texas program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Apply for help through the website or the intake line.", "complaint_url": "https://disabilityrightstx.org/en/getting-help/how-to-apply-for-services/", "info_url": "https://disabilityrightstx.org/en/home/", "phone": "1-800-252-9108", "phone_note": "Main line 512-454-4816 voice/TDD; video phone 866-362-2851.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=texas", "https://disabilityrightstx.org/en/handout/how-to-make-a-complaint-about-inpatient-mental-health-services/" ] }, { "id": "tx-behavioral-health-ombudsman", "category": "oversight", "name": "Texas HHS Ombudsman for Behavioral Health", "what_it_can_do": "Helps resolve a complaint about behavioral health services and makes sure it reaches the body that oversees whoever is paying for the care. It publishes a rights handbook for people receiving mental health services, including a version written for teenagers.", "what_it_cannot_do": "It is a route through the system rather than an enforcement body. An immediate risk of abuse goes to the Abuse Hotline, not here.", "who_to_report": "Someone who cannot get behavioral health care, or cannot get a complaint about it taken seriously.", "how": "Call, or submit online.", "complaint_url": "https://heartbep-ext.hhs.state.tx.us/omdLandingPage", "info_url": "https://www.hhs.texas.gov/contact/complaints-appeals/hhs-office-ombudsman/ombudsman-behavioral-health-help", "phone": "1-800-252-8154", "phone_note": "8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Relay Texas on 711 or 1-800-735-2989.", "mail": "Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Ombudsman for Behavioral Health, P.O. Box 13247, Austin, TX 78711-3247", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.hhs.texas.gov/contact/complaints-appeals/hhs-office-ombudsman/ombudsman-behavioral-health-help" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/texas/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "CSA: The civil SOL for CSA claims against all defendants is age 48 with a very narrow discovery rule.", "Trafficking: The civil SOL for trafficking claims against all defendants is age 48.", "CSAM: The civil SOL for CSAM claims is age 20." ], "criminal": [ "CSA: There is no SOL for some CSA offenses. The SOL is age 38 for sexual performance, and the SOL is 3 years from the offense for any remaining felonies and two years from the offense for misdemeanors.", "Trafficking: There is no SOL for trafficking offenses.", "CSAM: The SOL for CSAM violations is 7 years from the offense." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "Utah", "abbr": "UT", "slug": "utah", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "Utah licenses every mental health profession through one division, DOPL, so a complaint about a therapist, a psychologist, a counselor or a psychiatrist all start in the same place. It is also one of the few states with an ombuds office written specifically for young people in residential programs, and that office takes calls from the youth themselves.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "Four years from the injury for physical injury, including assault, battery and negligence. False imprisonment has a shorter deadline: one year.", "citation": "Utah Code § 78B-2-307(4) (four-year catch-all); Utah Code § 78B-2-302(4) (one year for false imprisonment)", "source_url": "https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title78B/Chapter2/C78B-2-S307_2023050320230503.html", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "The clock does not run while the injured person is under 18. For someone injured as a child, the deadline (four years, or one year for false imprisonment) starts at 18. Utah has no longer deadline for physical abuse of a child. The longer child abuse deadline in § 78B-2-308 covers sexual abuse only.", "citation": "Utah Code § 78B-2-108", "source_url": "https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title78B/Chapter2/C78B-2-S108_2021050520210505.html" }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "To sue the state, a county, a city or their employees, you must file a written notice of claim within one year after the claim arises. You must then file the lawsuit within two years after the claim arises, and not sooner than 60 days after the notice.", "citation": "Utah Code §§ 63G-7-401, 63G-7-402, 63G-7-403 (Governmental Immunity Act of Utah)", "source_url": "https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title63G/Chapter7/C63G-7-S402_1800010118000101.html", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "Four years from the abuse for felony child abuse. Misdemeanor child abuse: two years. Utah does not pause the criminal clock until the child turns 18 for non-sexual physical abuse. Child abuse homicide can be charged at any time.", "citation": "Utah Code § 76-1-302(1); Utah Code § 76-1-301(2)(e) (child abuse homicide, no limit)", "source_url": "https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title76/Chapter1/C76-1-S302_2026050620260506.html" }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "Four years from the assault for felony (aggravated) assault. Misdemeanor assault: two years.", "citation": "Utah Code § 76-1-302(1)", "source_url": "https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title76/Chapter1/C76-1-S302_2026050620260506.html" } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "ut-dopl", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL)", "what_it_can_do": "Investigates licensed professionals and can discipline, restrict, suspend or revoke a licence. It licenses psychologists, clinical social workers, clinical mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, substance use disorder counselors and physicians, so one complaint form covers whichever kind of clinician it was.", "what_it_cannot_do": "It says in writing that it will not act as your attorney, will not recover money for you, and cannot investigate for the benefit of your own lawsuit.", "who_to_report": "A named clinician who holds or held a Utah licence. It also takes complaints about unlicensed people practising as though they were licensed, which is worth knowing in an industry that leans on unlicensed staff.", "how": "File through the online complaint service, or download the PDF form and mail it. Complete every section; write N/A where one does not apply.", "complaint_url": "https://commerce.utah.gov/dopl/file-a-complaint/", "info_url": "https://commerce.utah.gov/dopl/enforcement/disciplinary-actions-and-citations/", "phone": "801-530-6628", "phone_note": "Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm Mountain, except state holidays.", "email": "DOPL@utah.gov", "mail": "Utah Division of Professional Licensing, P.O. Box 146741, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6741", "anonymous": "discouraged", "note": "Complaints are not public record under Utah law. DOPL publishes the disciplinary actions that result, so you can check whether anything came of an earlier one.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://commerce.utah.gov/dopl/file-a-complaint/", "https://commerce.utah.gov/dopl/enforcement/disciplinary-actions-and-citations/" ] }, { "id": "ut-office-of-licensing", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "Utah Office of Licensing, Division of Licensing and Background Checks (DLBC)", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses and inspects the residential treatment programs, therapeutic schools and outdoor youth programs themselves. It sets the health and safety standards, inspects against them, and can require corrective action, impose civil money penalties, or act against the licence.", "what_it_cannot_do": "It regulates the program, not the individual therapist - that is DOPL - and it does not investigate the abuse allegation itself, which goes to DCFS.", "who_to_report": "The facility: staffing levels, restraint and seclusion practice, conditions, supervision, anything that is a standards problem rather than one person's conduct.", "how": "Contact the Office of Licensing directly. Utah publishes its inspection findings, so it is worth reading what has already been cited before you call.", "info_url": "https://dlbc.utah.gov/home/office-of-licensing/human-services/", "phone": "801-538-4242", "phone_note": "Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, except state holidays.", "mail": "Division of Licensing and Background Checks, 195 North 1950 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dlbc.utah.gov/home/office-of-licensing/", "https://dlbc.utah.gov/information-for-the-public/contact/" ] }, { "id": "ut-dcfs-hotline", "category": "legal", "name": "Utah Division of Child and Family Services child abuse hotline", "what_it_can_do": "The statutory intake point for child abuse and neglect in Utah. A report here starts a CPS investigation and can bring in law enforcement.", "who_to_report": "A child currently at a program in Utah who is being abused or neglected, or who is in a situation likely to result in it.", "how": "Call the 24/7 intake line, or use the online reporting form. Give names and ages, what happened, any injuries you saw, and dates.", "complaint_url": "https://dcfs.utah.gov/child-abuse-reporting-form/", "info_url": "https://dcfs.utah.gov/contact-us", "phone": "1-855-323-3237", "phone_note": "1-855-323-DCFS. 24 hours, every day.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "deadline": "No deadline on making a report.", "note": "Under Utah Code 80-2-601 anyone who believes a child is being abused must report it; failure to report can be a crime. Reporters acting in good faith are protected from civil and criminal liability. If DCFS itself mishandles the report, the independent Child Protection Ombudsman takes complaints about DCFS on 801-538-4589.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dcfs.utah.gov/contact-us", "https://dcfs.utah.gov/child-abuse-reporting-form/" ] }, { "id": "ut-medicaid-fraud-patient-abuse", "category": "legal", "name": "Utah Attorney General, Medicaid Fraud and Patient Abuse Division", "what_it_can_do": "Criminally investigates and prosecutes both Medicaid provider fraud and the abuse, neglect or exploitation of patients, where the abuse happened in a health care facility or any setting where a provider is paid by Medicaid. This is a prosecutor's office, not a licensing body: it is the channel that can put somebody in front of a criminal court.", "who_to_report": "A program paid by Medicaid where a young person was abused, neglected or exploited, or where the billing does not match the care that was given.", "how": "Call or email the division directly, or use the Attorney General's online report form.", "complaint_url": "https://attorneygeneral.utah.gov/medicaid-fraud/", "phone": "801-281-1259", "email": "mfcucomplaints@agutah.gov", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://attorneygeneral.utah.gov/medicaid-fraud/" ] }, { "id": "ut-youth-in-care-ombuds", "category": "oversight", "name": "Utah Youth in Care (Congregate Care) Ombuds", "what_it_can_do": "An independent office inside DHHS for young people in residential programs, therapeutic schools and outdoor youth programs. It listens, advocates, conducts independent reviews, works directly with the program, and can open an investigation. It takes calls from a youth still inside a Utah program and from a parent in another state.", "what_it_cannot_do": "It does not investigate abuse or neglect allegations - those go to DCFS - and it does not investigate health and safety standards, which go to the Office of Licensing. It refers them on rather than dropping them. It does not give legal advice.", "who_to_report": "A young person in a Utah program who feels unheard or unsafe, or a parent who cannot get a straight answer out of the program.", "how": "Submit the online contact form. You will hear back within three business days, and contact is confidential.", "complaint_url": "https://dhhs.utah.gov/ombuds-services/congregate-care-ombuds/congregate-care-contact/", "info_url": "https://dhhs.utah.gov/ombuds-services/congregate-care-ombuds/", "anonymous": "not-allowed", "deadline": "There is a time limit and the office states it two different ways: the program page says you must make contact within 9 months of the incident, while the contact form says the situation must have occurred within the last 3 months. Treat 3 months as the safe assumption and call if you are outside it.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dhhs.utah.gov/ombuds-services/congregate-care-ombuds/", "https://dhhs.utah.gov/ombuds-services/congregate-care-ombuds/congregate-care-contact/" ] }, { "id": "ut-disability-law-center", "category": "oversight", "name": "Disability Law Center (Utah's Protection and Advocacy agency)", "what_it_can_do": "Utah's federally mandated P&A. It investigates abuse and neglect in residential facilities, has a right of access to them, and provides free legal advocacy to eligible clients, including representation in hearings and court. Its published reports on Utah programs have forced state responses.", "who_to_report": "A Utah program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis. Call and ask if you are not sure whether that applies.", "how": "Intake by phone, or online through the site. It no longer takes walk-ins, though you can come in to fill in the paperwork.", "info_url": "https://disabilitylawcenter.org/about/contact-us/", "phone": "1-800-662-9080", "phone_note": "Salt Lake City line 801-363-1347. Video Relay Service available.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://disabilitylawcenter.org/about/contact-us/" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/utah/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "There is no civil SOL for CSA, trafficking, and CSAM claims against perpetrators. The SOL is age 22 against other defendants with a 4-year discovery rule." ], "criminal": [ "CSA: There is no SOL for many CSA felonies. The SOL is age 28 for claims involving unlawful sexual activity, and 4 to 8 eight years after the crime is reported for other felonies. The SOL is 2 years from the offense for misdemeanors.", "Trafficking: There is no SOL for trafficking felonies.", "CSAM: The SOL for CSAM violations is 4 years from the offense." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "Vermont", "abbr": "VT", "slug": "vermont", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "Vermont runs one number for both jobs: the Department for Children and Families Centralized Intake Unit takes child abuse reports and complaints about residential treatment programs alike, and Vermont's licensing rules require a residential treatment program to cooperate fully in any investigation of a complaint or allegation about it.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "Three years for assault and battery, false imprisonment, and other personal injury including negligence. For personal injury in general, the three years run from when the injury was discovered.", "citation": "12 V.S.A. § 512", "source_url": "https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/12/023/00512" }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "No time limit to sue over physical abuse as a child that would count as aggravated assault, or over childhood sexual abuse. For other injuries, the three years start at 18.", "citation": "12 V.S.A. § 522 (childhood sexual or physical abuse); 12 V.S.A. § 551(a) (minority)", "source_url": "https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/12/023/00522" }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "Vermont's state tort claims law has no separate notice-of-claim deadline. However, the state has not waived immunity for assault and battery claims unless insurance covers them, and state employees can be sued personally only for gross negligence or willful misconduct.", "citation": "12 V.S.A. §§ 5601, 5602 (Vermont Tort Claims Act)", "source_url": "https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/12/189/05601", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "Three years from the offense for most non-sexual child abuse and cruelty offenses. Maiming has a 40-year limit, and murder and manslaughter have none. Vermont does not pause the criminal clock until 18 for non-sexual abuse.", "citation": "13 V.S.A. § 4501(e); § 4501(c)(2) (maiming, 40 years)", "source_url": "https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/13/151/04501", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "Three years from the offense for aggravated assault and for simple assault. First degree aggravated domestic assault has 11 years, and maiming has 40 years.", "citation": "13 V.S.A. § 4501(e), (d), (c)(2)", "source_url": "https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/13/151/04501" } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "vt-office-professional-regulation", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "Vermont Office of Professional Regulation", "what_it_can_do": "Regulates Vermont's clinical social workers, clinical mental health counselors, psychologists and other allied mental health professions. On a complaint it runs an administrative review to see whether the professional conduct statute covers what you describe, then assigns a committee to investigate and recommend action. Discipline runs from a warning to revoking the licence.", "who_to_report": "A licensed clinical social worker, clinical mental health counselor or psychologist in Vermont.", "how": "Call or write to the Director of the Office to obtain a complaint form.", "complaint_url": "https://vtlawhelp.org/office-professional-regulation-complaint-form", "info_url": "https://sos.vermont.gov/opr/", "phone": "802-828-1505", "mail": "Director, Office of Professional Regulation, Secretary of State's Office, 89 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Montpelier, VT 05620-3402", "anonymous": "unknown", "note": "All complaint investigations are confidential.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://vtlawhelp.org/office-professional-regulation-complaint-form" ] }, { "id": "vt-residential-treatment-licensing", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "Vermont DCF residential treatment program licensing", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses Vermont's residential treatment programs and investigates complaints against them. Its rules require a licensed program to cooperate fully in the investigation of any complaint or allegation associated with it.", "who_to_report": "A Vermont residential treatment program.", "how": "Report to the Centralized Intake Unit, which takes program complaints as well as abuse reports.", "info_url": "https://dcf.vermont.gov/fsd", "phone": "1-800-649-5285", "phone_note": "Centralized Intake Unit. 24 hours a day.", "anonymous": "allowed", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dcf.vermont.gov/fsd", "https://dcf.vermont.gov/contacts/helplines" ] }, { "id": "vt-child-abuse-hotline", "category": "legal", "name": "Vermont child abuse and neglect hotline", "what_it_can_do": "The statutory report line, run by the Family Services Division's Centralized Intake Unit, open every hour of every day.", "who_to_report": "A child at a Vermont program.", "how": "Call.", "complaint_url": "https://dcf.vermont.gov/fsd/report", "info_url": "https://dcf.vermont.gov/contacts/helplines", "phone": "1-800-649-5285", "phone_note": "24 hours a day, seven days a week.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dcf.vermont.gov/fsd/report", "https://dcf.vermont.gov/contacts/helplines" ] }, { "id": "vt-disability-rights-vermont", "category": "oversight", "name": "Disability Rights Vermont", "what_it_can_do": "Vermont's Protection and Advocacy agency, with federal authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities, a right of access to them, and free legal advocacy.", "who_to_report": "A Vermont program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line.", "info_url": "https://disabilityrightsvt.org/", "phone": "1-800-834-7890", "phone_note": "Main line 802-229-1355.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=vermont" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/vermont/sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "CSA: There is no civil SOL for CSA and claims against all defendants are permanently revived.", "Trafficking: The civil SOL for trafficking is age 21.", "CSAM: The civil SOL for CSAM is age 21." ], "criminal": [ "CSA: There is no criminal SOL for aggravated sexual assault or exploitation. The SOL is 40 years from the offense for some CSA crimes, and 3 years from the offense for all other felonies and misdemeanors.", "Trafficking: There is no SOL for trafficking.", "CSAM: The SOL for CSAM violations is 40 years from the offense." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "Virginia", "abbr": "VA", "slug": "virginia", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "Virginia is blunt about the cost of filing, and it is worth reading before you do. A complaint to the Department of Health Professions cannot be withdrawn once submitted, you cannot get a copy of your own form back afterwards, and Virginia law requires the details to be shared with the licensee you complained about. The Department cannot guarantee anonymity either - if you want to be anonymous, it warns that you must keep your identity out of the form and every document attached to it.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "Two years from the injury for any personal injury, whether it is assault, battery or negligence. False imprisonment is also two years.", "citation": "Va. Code § 8.01-243(A); Va. Code § 8.01-248 (catch-all for personal actions)", "source_url": "https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title8.01/chapter4/section8.01-243/" }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "The clock does not run while the injured person is under 18. For someone injured as a child, the two years start at 18. Virginia's longer deadline and discovery rule for childhood abuse cover sexual abuse only, not physical abuse.", "citation": "Va. Code § 8.01-229(A)(1)-(2)", "source_url": "https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title8.01/chapter4/section8.01-229/" }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "For a claim against the state (Commonwealth), file a written notice of claim within one year. The lawsuit must then be filed within 18 months of the notice or two years of the injury. For negligence claims against a county, city or town, the written notice is due within six months. For both, the clock is paused for a child until 18.", "citation": "Va. Code §§ 8.01-195.6, 8.01-195.7 (Virginia Tort Claims Act); Va. Code § 15.2-209 (localities)", "source_url": "https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title8.01/chapter3/section8.01-195.6/" }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "No time limit for felony child abuse or neglect: Virginia has no statute of limitations for felonies. Misdemeanor offenses generally must be charged within one year.", "citation": "Va. Code § 19.2-8 (limits misdemeanors only); Va. Code § 18.2-371.1 (felony child abuse and neglect)", "source_url": "https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title19.2/chapter1/section19.2-8/" }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "No time limit for felony assault (malicious or unlawful wounding and other felonies). Misdemeanor assault and battery must be charged within one year.", "citation": "Va. Code § 19.2-8", "source_url": "https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title19.2/chapter1/section19.2-8/" } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "va-health-professions", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "Virginia Department of Health Professions, Enforcement Division", "what_it_can_do": "Receives and investigates complaints for all thirteen of Virginia's licensing and regulatory boards, including the Board of Counseling, the Board of Social Work and the Board of Psychology, and the boards discipline the licence.", "what_it_cannot_do": "It has no authority to make a licensee return money or provide any other personal remedy. It cannot give you a copy of your complaint form once submitted, and the complaint cannot be withdrawn.", "who_to_report": "A licensed counselor, social worker or psychologist in Virginia. Identify them by full name and licence type.", "how": "Use the online complaint form, or return the Word or PDF form to the Enforcement Division by email, fax, post or in person.", "complaint_url": "https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Complaints/", "info_url": "https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/PractitionerResources/Enforcement/FileaComplaint/", "phone": "1-800-533-1560", "phone_note": "Enforcement Division. Direct line 804-367-4691; fax 804-212-2174.", "email": "enfcomplaints@dhp.virginia.gov", "mail": "Virginia Department of Health Professions, Enforcement Division, Perimeter Center, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Henrico, VA 23233-1463", "anonymous": "discouraged", "note": "Anonymity cannot be guaranteed. If you mean to file anonymously, the Department warns you must leave any identifying information out of both the form and every supporting document - naming yourself anywhere means you are not anonymous.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/PractitionerResources/Enforcement/FileaComplaint/" ] }, { "id": "va-dss-licensing", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "Virginia Department of Social Services, Division of Licensing Programs", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses and inspects children's residential facilities in Virginia and takes complaints about them.", "who_to_report": "A licensed children's residential facility. A facility providing behavioral health treatment may instead be licensed by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, which runs its own Office of Licensing.", "how": "Use the online complaint form or call the licensing line.", "info_url": "https://www.dss.virginia.gov/licensed-care/", "phone": "1-800-543-7545", "phone_note": "Richmond area 804-692-2394.", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.dss.virginia.gov/supporting-families/child-protective-services/report-abuse/" ] }, { "id": "va-dbhds-office-of-licensing", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "Virginia DBHDS Office of Licensing", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses and regulates behavioral health and developmental services providers in Virginia, including residential treatment programs, and investigates complaints about them.", "who_to_report": "A program licensed to provide mental health or substance use treatment, as distinct from a children's residential facility licensed by Social Services.", "how": "Contact the Office of Licensing through its contact page, which lists the specialist for each region and service type.", "info_url": "https://dbhds.virginia.gov/clinical-and-quality-management/office-of-licensing/ol-contact-info/", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dbhds.virginia.gov/clinical-and-quality-management/office-of-licensing/ol-contact-info/" ] }, { "id": "va-child-abuse-hotline", "category": "legal", "name": "Virginia Child Protective Services Hotline", "what_it_can_do": "The statewide 24-hour line for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect, which routes the report to the local department that investigates.", "who_to_report": "A child at a Virginia program.", "how": "Call. Virginia says you do not have to give your name, and you do not have to provide evidence to make a report.", "complaint_url": "https://vacps.dss.virginia.gov/VACPSWeb/", "info_url": "https://www.dss.virginia.gov/supporting-families/child-protective-services/report-abuse/", "phone": "1-800-552-7096", "phone_note": "24 hours a day.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.dss.virginia.gov/supporting-families/child-protective-services/report-abuse/" ] }, { "id": "va-disability-law-center-virginia", "category": "oversight", "name": "disAbility Law Center of Virginia", "what_it_can_do": "Virginia's Protection and Advocacy agency, with federal authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities, a right of access to them, and free legal advocacy.", "who_to_report": "A Virginia program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line.", "info_url": "https://www.dlcv.org/", "phone": "1-800-552-3962", "phone_note": "Main line 804-225-2042 voice/TTY.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=virginia" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/virginia/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "The civil SOL for CSA, trafficking, and some CSAM claims is age 38 with a 20-year discovery rule against all defendants." ], "criminal": [ "CSA: There is no criminal SOL for any felonies, including CSA. The SOL for misdemeanors is age 23 or age 19, depending on the age difference between the victim and the offender.", "Trafficking: There is no SOL for trafficking felonies.", "CSAM: There is no SOL for CSAM felonies." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "Washington", "abbr": "WA", "slug": "washington", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "Washington is unusually clear about what its health complaint system will and will not take on: unprofessional conduct, a provider unable to practise safely, and unlicensed practice, but not scheduling, personality conflicts or billing. It also has an independent Office of the Family and Children's Ombuds, which exists to look at how the state itself handled a child's case.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "Two years for assault, battery and false imprisonment. Three years for negligence and other personal injury.", "citation": "RCW 4.16.100(1) (two years); RCW 4.16.080(2) (three years)", "source_url": "https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=4.16.100" }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "The clock does not run while the injured person is under 18. For someone injured as a child, the two or three years start at 18. Washington's special childhood abuse law covers sexual abuse only, not physical abuse.", "citation": "RCW 4.16.190", "source_url": "https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=4.16.190" }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "Before suing the state, file a claim form with the Office of Risk Management. For a county, city or other local government, file the claim with its designated agent. Either way the claim must be filed within the normal deadline, and you must wait 60 days before suing. The deadline is paused during those 60 days.", "citation": "RCW 4.92.100, 4.92.110 (state); RCW 4.96.020 (local governments)", "source_url": "https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=4.92.110" }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "Three years from the offense for felony assault of a child and other non-sexual child abuse felonies. Homicide by abuse can be charged at any time. Washington does not pause the criminal clock until 18 for non-sexual physical abuse.", "citation": "RCW 9A.04.080(1)(j); RCW 9A.04.080(1)(a)(ii) (homicide by abuse, no limit)", "source_url": "https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9A.04.080" }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "Three years from the offense for felony assault (first, second and third degree). Gross misdemeanor assault: two years. Simple misdemeanor: one year.", "citation": "RCW 9A.04.080(1)(j)-(l)", "source_url": "https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9A.04.080" } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "wa-doh-health-professions", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "Washington State Department of Health, Health Systems Quality Assurance", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses and disciplines mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, social workers and psychologists, and investigates three kinds of complaint: unprofessional conduct, a provider whose mental or physical condition means they cannot practise with reasonable skill and safety, and practice without a valid Washington credential.", "what_it_cannot_do": "It says plainly it may not be able to help with complaints unrelated to patient safety - scheduling problems, personality conflicts, disputes over bills or insurance.", "who_to_report": "A licensed mental health professional in Washington, or somebody practising without a credential. Physicians go to the Washington Medical Commission instead.", "how": "Use the Department's complaint forms. The complaint process page explains what happens to it afterwards.", "complaint_url": "https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/file-complaint-about-provider-or-facility/complaint-forms", "info_url": "https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/file-complaint-about-provider-or-facility/health-professions-complaint-process", "phone": "360-236-4700", "phone_note": "Health Systems Quality Assurance customer service.", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/file-complaint-about-provider-or-facility", "https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/file-complaint-about-provider-or-facility/health-professions-complaint-process" ] }, { "id": "wa-doh-facility-complaints", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "Washington State Department of Health, facility complaints", "what_it_can_do": "Takes and investigates complaints about the health care facilities the Department licenses, through a process separate from the one for individual providers.", "who_to_report": "A DOH-licensed facility, including behavioral health agencies.", "how": "Use the facility complaint process and the Department's complaint forms.", "complaint_url": "https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/file-complaint-about-provider-or-facility/facility-complaint-process", "info_url": "https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/file-complaint-about-provider-or-facility", "phone": "360-236-4700", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/file-complaint-about-provider-or-facility" ] }, { "id": "wa-end-harm-hotline", "category": "legal", "name": "Washington child abuse and neglect hotline (End Harm)", "what_it_can_do": "The statewide 24-hour line, which connects you to the local office that will take the report. It also takes concerns about a licensed facility, and about unlicensed care.", "who_to_report": "A child at a Washington program, and any concern about how a licensed facility is treating children.", "how": "Call. A DCYF licensor starts acting on a referral within five working days, and a complaint is usually inspected and resolved within 45 days.", "info_url": "https://dcyf.wa.gov/safety/report-abuse", "phone": "1-866-363-4276", "phone_note": "1-866-END-HARM. 24 hours a day, seven days a week.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "note": "For a complaint about DCYF itself rather than about a program, Constituent Relations takes those on 1-800-723-4831.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dcyf.wa.gov/safety/report-abuse", "https://dcyf.wa.gov/contact-us" ] }, { "id": "wa-family-children-ombuds", "category": "oversight", "name": "Washington Office of the Family and Children's Ombuds", "what_it_can_do": "An independent office that reviews how the state's child protection and child welfare system handled a case, and publishes where it finds fault.", "what_it_cannot_do": "It examines the state's conduct rather than licensing or prosecuting a program.", "who_to_report": "A family or young person whose report to a Washington agency went nowhere.", "info_url": "https://ofco.wa.gov/other-resources/other-places-go-help", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://ofco.wa.gov/other-resources/other-places-go-help" ] }, { "id": "wa-disability-rights-washington", "category": "oversight", "name": "Disability Rights Washington", "what_it_can_do": "Washington's Protection and Advocacy agency, with federal authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities, a right of access to them, and free legal advocacy.", "who_to_report": "A Washington program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line.", "info_url": "https://www.disabilityrightswa.org/", "phone": "1-800-562-2702", "phone_note": "Main line 206-324-1521.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=washington" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/washington/sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "The civil SOL for CSA, trafficking, and some CSAM claims is age 21 with a 3-year discovery rule against all defendants." ], "criminal": [ "CSA: There is no criminal SOL for many CSA crimes. The SOL is age 30 for other felonies and age 20 for misdemeanors.", "Trafficking: The SOL for trafficking is 10 years from the offense, while the SOL for commercial sex abuse is age 30.", "CSAM: There is no SOL for some CSAM crimes. Other CSAM offenses have an SOL of 3 years from the offense." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "West Virginia", "abbr": "WV", "slug": "west-virginia", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "West Virginia funnels every report of suspected abuse or neglect - of children and of vulnerable adults alike - through one Centralized Intake, staffed every hour of every day of the year. Its counseling board is candid about the limit on what a complaint can achieve: it can suspend, revoke or reprimand a licence, but it cannot recover a penny for you.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "Two years from the injury for personal injury, which includes assault, battery and negligence. Courts treat false imprisonment as a one-year claim.", "citation": "W. Va. Code § 55-2-12(b); § 55-2-12(c) (one year)", "source_url": "https://code.wvlegislature.gov/55-2-12/", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "For someone injured as a child, the same number of years (usually two) starts at 18. No claim can be brought more than 20 years after the injury. West Virginia's special longer deadline in this section is for childhood sexual abuse only.", "citation": "W. Va. Code § 55-2-15(b)", "source_url": "https://code.wvlegislature.gov/55-2-15/" }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "Suits against a county, city, school board or other political subdivision must be filed within two years of the injury (or of its discovery), and a child still gets the extra time until 18. Before suing a state agency, you must mail written notice to the agency head and the Attorney General at least 30 days in advance.", "citation": "W. Va. Code § 29-12A-6(a) (political subdivisions); W. Va. Code § 55-17-3(a) (state agencies)", "source_url": "https://code.wvlegislature.gov/29-12A-6/", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "No time limit for felony child abuse: West Virginia has no statute of limitations for felonies. Misdemeanor child abuse must be charged within one year.", "citation": "W. Va. Code § 61-11-9 (limits misdemeanors and perjury only); W. Va. Code § 61-8D-3 (child abuse)", "source_url": "https://code.wvlegislature.gov/61-11-9/" }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "No time limit for felony malicious or unlawful wounding. Misdemeanor assault and battery must be charged within one year.", "citation": "W. Va. Code § 61-11-9; W. Va. Code § 61-2-9", "source_url": "https://code.wvlegislature.gov/61-11-9/" } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "wv-counseling-board", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "West Virginia Board of Examiners in Counseling", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses professional counselors and marriage and family therapists in West Virginia and enforces the licensure rules and ethical standards. On a finding of probable cause it can reprimand, suspend or revoke a licence.", "what_it_cannot_do": "It cannot seek or recover any money for the person who complained. Its meetings discussing complaints and investigations are confidential and closed to the public.", "who_to_report": "A licensed professional counselor or marriage and family therapist in West Virginia.", "how": "Contact the Board to request a complaint form.", "complaint_url": "https://wvbec.org/", "info_url": "https://wvbec.org/counselor-and-therapist-license-verification/", "phone": "304-558-5494", "mail": "West Virginia Board of Examiners in Counseling, 815 Quarrier Street, Suite 212, Charleston, WV 25301", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://wvbec.org/", "https://www.wv.gov/agencies/counseling-board-examiners" ] }, { "id": "wv-psychology-board", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Psychologist", "name": "West Virginia Board of Examiners of Psychologists", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses and disciplines psychologists in West Virginia.", "who_to_report": "A licensed psychologist.", "how": "Use the Board's complaint page.", "complaint_url": "https://psychbd.wv.gov/pages/complaint.aspx", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://psychbd.wv.gov/pages/complaint.aspx" ] }, { "id": "wv-centralized-intake", "category": "legal", "name": "West Virginia Centralized Intake for Abuse and Neglect", "what_it_can_do": "The single point of entry for every report of suspected abuse and neglect in West Virginia, covering both children and vulnerable adults. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.", "who_to_report": "A child under 18 at a West Virginia program who is being abused or neglected, or is at risk of it. Anyone concerned for a child can report.", "how": "Call Centralized Intake, and report to local law enforcement as well. Mandated reporters may also send a non-emergency report by email.", "complaint_url": "https://bss.wv.gov/centralized-intake-abuse-and-neglect", "info_url": "https://bfa.wv.gov/page/child-abuse-prevention", "phone": "1-800-352-6513", "phone_note": "24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://bss.wv.gov/centralized-intake-abuse-and-neglect", "https://bfa.wv.gov/page/child-abuse-prevention" ] }, { "id": "wv-facility-complaints", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "West Virginia Department of Human Services, facility complaints", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses and regulates West Virginia's residential and behavioral health facilities and takes complaints about them. The state also maintains an abuse registry covering people barred from working in these settings.", "who_to_report": "A licensed West Virginia facility.", "how": "Contact the Department's complaint line, and report any abuse to Centralized Intake as well.", "info_url": "https://dohs.wv.gov/", "phone": "1-800-642-8589", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dohs.wv.gov/", "https://bss.wv.gov/centralized-intake-abuse-and-neglect" ] }, { "id": "wv-disability-rights-west-virginia", "category": "oversight", "name": "Disability Rights of West Virginia", "what_it_can_do": "West Virginia's Protection and Advocacy agency, with federal authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities, a right of access to them, and free legal advocacy.", "who_to_report": "A West Virginia program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line.", "info_url": "https://www.drofwv.org/", "phone": "1-800-950-5250", "phone_note": "Main line 304-346-0847 voice/TDD.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=west-virginia" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/west-virginia/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "The civil SOL for CSA, trafficking, and CSAM claims against all defendants is age 36 with a 4-year discovery rule and a revival law, reviving claims up to age 36." ], "criminal": [ "CSA: There is no criminal SOL for any felonies, including CSA. The SOL for misdemeanors is 1 year from the offense.", "Trafficking: There is no SOL for trafficking felonies.", "CSAM: There is no SOL for CSAM felonies." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "Wisconsin", "abbr": "WI", "slug": "wisconsin", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "Wisconsin gives anyone receiving mental health or substance use treatment a statutory set of client rights, with a formal grievance procedure behind them and client rights staff who will write the grievance for you if you ask. That is separate from complaining about the clinician or the facility, and it is the channel most people in a Wisconsin program have never been told exists.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "Three years for assault, battery, false imprisonment and other intentional harm, and three years for negligence and other personal injury.", "citation": "Wis. Stat. § 893.57 (intentional torts); Wis. Stat. § 893.54(1m)(a) (injury to the person)", "source_url": "https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/893/v/57" }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "For someone injured as a child, the deadline is the later of the normal three years from the injury or two years after turning 18, which is age 20. Wisconsin's longer deadline for childhood abuse (until age 35) covers sexual abuse only.", "citation": "Wis. Stat. § 893.16(1)-(2)", "source_url": "https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/893/ii/16" }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "For a county, city, school district or other local government, serve written notice within 120 days of the injury, and file an itemized claim. If the claim is denied, you have six months from the denial notice to sue. For a state employee, serve written notice on the Attorney General within 120 days of the injury.", "citation": "Wis. Stat. § 893.80(1d), (1g) (local governments); Wis. Stat. § 893.82(3) (state officers and employees)", "source_url": "https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/893/viii/80", "uncertain": true }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "Physical abuse of a child can be charged until the victim turns 45 if it caused great bodily harm on purpose. Other physical child abuse, reckless abuse, failing to protect a child, and causing a child mental harm can be charged until the victim turns 26. The normal six years from the offense applies if it ends later.", "citation": "Wis. Stat. § 939.74(2)(c), (2)(cm); Wis. Stat. § 948.03 (physical abuse of a child); § 948.04 (causing mental harm to a child)", "source_url": "https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/939/vi/74" }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "Six years from the offense for felony battery or assault. Misdemeanor battery: three years.", "citation": "Wis. Stat. § 939.74(1)", "source_url": "https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/939/vi/74" } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "wi-mpsw-board", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "Wisconsin Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling and Social Work Examining Board", "what_it_can_do": "A combined board under the Department of Safety and Professional Services covering marriage and family therapists, professional counselors and social workers. DSPS provides the investigators and prosecutors for it, and the board disciplines the licence.", "who_to_report": "A licensed marriage and family therapist, professional counselor or social worker in Wisconsin. Psychologists have their own examining board under the same department.", "how": "File a written complaint through the Department's Division of Legal Services and Compliance. Board staff first decide whether it is within their jurisdiction.", "complaint_url": "https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/SelfService/FileAComplaint.aspx", "info_url": "https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/RulesStatutes/MPSW.aspx", "anonymous": "unknown", "note": "Complaints are accepted from clients, employers, colleagues and other agencies alike.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/SelfService/FileAComplaint.aspx", "https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/RulesStatutes/MPSW.aspx" ] }, { "id": "wi-client-rights-grievance", "category": "oversight", "name": "Wisconsin client rights grievance procedure (DHS 94)", "what_it_can_do": "Wisconsin law gives people receiving mental health, substance use or developmental disability services a set of client rights and a formal grievance procedure to enforce them. The provider must have a client rights specialist, and a grievance can be escalated beyond the provider.", "who_to_report": "Someone in a Wisconsin program whose rights are being breached - restrictions, treatment, how they are being handled day to day - whether or not it amounts to abuse.", "how": "File a formal grievance using the sample form, or ask a client rights staff member to write it down for you, which the Department says they will do. There is a published flow chart of the whole procedure.", "complaint_url": "https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/clientrights/grievances.htm", "info_url": "https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/clientrights/index.htm", "anonymous": "not-allowed", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/clientrights/grievances.htm" ] }, { "id": "wi-residential-care-licensing", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "Wisconsin DHS, residential and community-based care licensing", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses and certifies Wisconsin's residential and community-based care providers and takes complaints against them.", "who_to_report": "A licensed residential program.", "how": "Use the Department's complaint route.", "complaint_url": "https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/complaints/index.htm", "info_url": "https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/regulations/residcare-index.htm", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/regulations/residcare-index.htm", "https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/complaints/index.htm" ] }, { "id": "wi-disability-rights-wisconsin", "category": "oversight", "name": "Disability Rights Wisconsin", "what_it_can_do": "Wisconsin's Protection and Advocacy agency, with federal authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities, a right of access to them, and free legal advocacy. The Department of Health Services names it directly as where to take a disability rights grievance.", "who_to_report": "A Wisconsin program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line.", "info_url": "https://disabilityrightswi.org/", "phone": "1-800-928-8778", "phone_note": "Direct line 608-308-2648.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/clientrights/grievances.htm", "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=wisconsin" ] }, { "id": "wi-county-child-protective-services", "category": "legal", "name": "Wisconsin county Child Protective Services", "what_it_can_do": "Starts a child protection response. Wisconsin's CPS is state-supervised but county-administered in 71 counties, and state-administered in Milwaukee, so the report goes to the county agency where the child is. An Access worker takes it and decides whether it meets the statutory definition.", "who_to_report": "A child at a Wisconsin program. Anyone can report, to the local CPS agency or to law enforcement.", "how": "Find the county agency in the Department's directory and call it; the directory also lists after-hours numbers. If the abuse is happening now or is violent, call 911.", "complaint_url": "https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/reportabuse", "info_url": "https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/cps/process", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/reportabuse", "https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/cps/process" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/wisconsin/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "CSA: The civil SOL for CSA claims against perpetrators is age 35. The SOL against other types of defendants is age 20, with a narrow exception for negligent supervision claims against religious organizations for clergy abuse, which have an SOL of age 35.", "Trafficking: The SOL for trafficking claims is age 20.", "CSAM: The SOL for CSAM claims is age 20." ], "criminal": [ "CSA: There is no SOL for some first-degree CSA felonies, an SOL of age 45 for other CSA felonies, and 3 years from the offense for misdemeanors.", "Trafficking: The SOL for trafficking is age 45.", "CSAM: The SOL for CSAM violations is age 45." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } }, { "state": "Wyoming", "abbr": "WY", "slug": "wyoming", "updated": "2026-09-22", "note": "Wyoming reports abuse to the county field office where it happened rather than to a statewide hotline, with 911 as the around-the-clock route. It also has a Department of Family Services ombudsman who takes complaints about the Department's own handling of a case, which is the escalation route when a report goes nowhere.", "deadlines": { "verified_on": "2026-09-28", "items": [ { "key": "civil_injury", "group": "civil", "label": "Physical abuse or injury", "summary": "One year for assault, battery and false imprisonment. Four years for negligence and other personal injury.", "citation": "Wyo. Stat. § 1-3-105(a)(v)(B)-(C) (one year); § 1-3-105(a)(iv)(C) (four years)", "source_url": "https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title01.pdf" }, { "key": "civil_minor_tolling", "group": "civil", "label": "If it happened before you turned 18", "summary": "For someone injured as a child, the deadline is three years after turning 18 (age 21), or the normal period if that ends later. Wyoming has no longer deadline for physical abuse of a child. Its special rule in § 1-3-105(b) covers sexual assault only.", "citation": "Wyo. Stat. § 1-3-114", "source_url": "https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title01.pdf" }, { "key": "civil_government_claims", "group": "civil", "label": "If the program was run by or for the government", "summary": "To sue the state or a local government, first present a written, itemized claim within two years of the act (or two years after discovery, in limited cases). You must then file the lawsuit within one year after filing the claim.", "citation": "Wyo. Stat. §§ 1-39-113(a), 1-39-114 (Wyoming Governmental Claims Act)", "source_url": "https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title01.pdf" }, { "key": "criminal_child_abuse", "group": "criminal", "label": "Physical child abuse", "summary": "No time limit. Wyoming has no statute of limitations for any crime, so child abuse can be charged at any time.", "citation": "No criminal statute of limitations in Wyoming; Ridinger v. State, 2021 WY 4, ¶ 14, 478 P.3d 1160 (quoting Phillips v. State, 835 P.2d 1062, 1069 (Wyo. 1992))", "source_url": "https://storage.courtlistener.com/pdf/2021/01/07/martin_alan_ridinger_v._the_state_of_wyoming.pdf" }, { "key": "criminal_felony_assault", "group": "criminal", "label": "Assault", "summary": "No time limit. Aggravated assault, and misdemeanor assault and battery, can be charged at any time.", "citation": "Ridinger v. State, 2021 WY 4, ¶ 14, 478 P.3d 1160", "source_url": "https://storage.courtlistener.com/pdf/2021/01/07/martin_alan_ridinger_v._the_state_of_wyoming.pdf" } ] }, "channels": [ { "id": "wy-mental-health-professions-board", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Multiple professions", "name": "Wyoming Mental Health Professions Licensing Board", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses and disciplines Wyoming's counselors, certified alcohol and drug abuse counselors and certified mental health workers. Anyone may complain - clients and former clients, family members, colleagues and co-workers all do.", "what_it_cannot_do": "Complaints can only be filed against individuals, not against a practice or a program.", "who_to_report": "A licensed or certified mental health professional in Wyoming.", "how": "File through the Board's complaints page. A copy of your complaint goes to the licence or certificate holder.", "complaint_url": "https://mentalhealth.wyo.gov/public/complaints", "info_url": "https://mentalhealth.wyo.gov/public", "phone": "307-777-3628", "anonymous": "not-allowed", "note": "The Board says the review, investigation and legal stages may take a long time, depending on the complexity of the case and the caseload already waiting.", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://mentalhealth.wyo.gov/public/complaints", "https://mentalhealth.wyo.gov/public" ] }, { "id": "wy-board-of-psychology", "category": "professional-board", "profession": "Psychologist", "name": "Wyoming Board of Psychology", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses and disciplines psychologists in Wyoming.", "who_to_report": "A licensed psychologist.", "how": "File through the Board's public page.", "complaint_url": "https://psychology.wyo.gov/public", "info_url": "https://psychology.wyo.gov/", "phone": "307-777-5403", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://psychology.wyo.gov/public" ] }, { "id": "wy-child-protection-reporting", "category": "legal", "name": "Wyoming child abuse and neglect reporting", "what_it_can_do": "Starts a Department of Family Services child protection response. Reports go to the county field office where the abuse or neglect happened or is happening.", "who_to_report": "A child at a Wyoming program. Report to the county the program sits in.", "how": "Call the county field office, or 911 at any hour to reach local law enforcement. The state line will also direct you.", "complaint_url": "https://dfs.wyo.gov/i-need-to-report/abuse-neglect-exploitation/", "info_url": "https://dfs.wyo.gov/services/child-youth-services/child-protection-services/", "phone": "1-800-457-3659", "phone_note": "Also 307-777-7564. For an emergency at any hour, 911.", "anonymous": "allowed", "mandatory_reporter": true, "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dfs.wyo.gov/i-need-to-report/abuse-neglect-exploitation/", "https://dfs.wyo.gov/services/child-youth-services/child-protection-services/" ] }, { "id": "wy-child-care-licensing", "category": "facility-licensing", "name": "Wyoming DFS child care and facility licensing", "what_it_can_do": "Licenses Wyoming's child care and residential facilities and takes concerns that one has breached its licensing requirements.", "who_to_report": "A licensed Wyoming facility.", "how": "Contact the child care licenser for the area, or the licensing support contact.", "complaint_url": "https://dfs.wyo.gov/providers/child-care-2/report-a-concern-on-a-child-care-facility/", "phone": "307-777-3540", "phone_note": "Licensing contact support.", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dfs.wyo.gov/providers/child-care-2/report-a-concern-on-a-child-care-facility/" ] }, { "id": "wy-dfs-ombudsman", "category": "oversight", "name": "Wyoming DFS Ombudsman", "what_it_can_do": "Takes complaints about how the Department of Family Services has handled a case.", "what_it_cannot_do": "It reviews the Department rather than the program.", "who_to_report": "A family or young person whose report to DFS has gone nowhere.", "info_url": "https://dfs.wyo.gov/about/contact-us/", "phone": "307-777-6597", "email": "clint.hanes1@wyo.gov", "anonymous": "unknown", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://dfs.wyo.gov/about/contact-us/" ] }, { "id": "wy-protection-advocacy-system", "category": "oversight", "name": "Wyoming Protection and Advocacy System", "what_it_can_do": "Wyoming's federally mandated P&A, with authority to investigate abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in facilities, a right of access to them, and free legal advocacy.", "who_to_report": "A Wyoming program where the young person has a disability or a mental health diagnosis.", "how": "Contact the intake line.", "info_url": "https://www.wypanda.com/", "phone": "1-800-624-7648", "phone_note": "Also 1-800-821-3091 voice/TDD; main line 307-632-3496.", "anonymous": "discouraged", "verified_on": "2026-09-22", "sources": [ "https://www.ndrn.org/about/ndrn-member-agencies/?agency_location=wyoming" ] } ], "sexual_abuse": { "url": "https://childusa.org/law/wyoming/child-sex-abuse-sol/", "civil": [ "The civil SOL for CSA, trafficking, and CSAM claims against all defendants is age 26 with a 3-year discovery rule." ], "criminal": [ "There is no SOL for any felonies or misdemeanors, including CSA, trafficking, and CSAM offenses." ], "checked_on": "2026-09-28" } } ], "coverage": { "covered": 51, "total": 51, "missing": [] } }