Report child abuse or neglect

Marin County Children and Family Services (CFS) operates a 24-hour Abuse and Neglect Reporting Hotline to receive reports of suspected child abuse or neglect, including sexual or labor exploitation of any child who resides in Marin County. Reports are taken from parents, caregivers, professionals, and members of the public. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.

This service is for anyone who has reason to suspect that a child who resides in Marin County is being abused, neglected, exploited, or otherwise at risk. This includes:

• Parents, relatives, neighbors, and other community members who observe suspected abuse or neglect.
• Professionals who are legally classified as Mandated Reporters (see below) and must report suspected child abuse or neglect.
• People who are unsure of a child’s county of residence—hotline staff can help determine the appropriate county agency for reports when custody is split or residence is unclear.

What the hotline covers

Children and Family Services (CFS) staff take reports of suspicion of abuse or neglect by parents and other caregivers in the home, and reports of sexual or labor exploitation of any child who resides in Marin even if the suspected exploiter is not a parent or caregiver.

Any incident of alleged or suspected child abuse, or a reasonable suspicion of abuse should be reported immediately or as soon as possible using the CFS 24-Hour Abuse and Neglect Reporting Hotline.

Important to know

If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.

• Children and Family Services (CFS) staff take reports of suspicion of abuse or neglect by parents and other caregivers in the home, and reports of sexual or labor exploitation of any child who resides in Marin even if the suspected exploiter is not a parent or caregiver.
• Any incident of alleged or suspected child abuse, or a reasonable suspicion of abuse should be:
  • Reported immediately or as soon as possible.
  • Made using the CFS 24-Hour Abuse and Neglect Reporting Hotline.
• Mandated Reporters: Certain people are considered by law to be Mandated Reporters.
  • For information on mandated reporting law, please see this handbook.

Before you contact the hotline

• Make sure you are in the child’s primary residence county; in the event of split custody this may not always be Marin County.
  • If you are unsure of the county of residence, hotline staff can consult with you and direct you to the appropriate county’s agency.
• Have your contact information ready.
• Be prepared to share as many details as possible about the situation including:
  • Child’s name
  • School
  • Parents’ names
  • Addresses
  • Phone numbers
  • Detailed concerns
• If you are calling as a Mandated Reporter you must provide:
  • Your name
  • Your contact information
  • Please note: your identity as a Mandated Reporter is highly confidential.

Mandated reporters — required follow-up

Mandated Reporters should submit a verbal report to the hotline and then complete and submit the Suspected Child Abuse Report (BCIA 8572) within 36 hours of the verbal complaint. The form referenced by Marin County is available here: Suspected Child Abuse Report (BCIA 8572). Completed forms may be sent via email or fax as noted below.

How reports are handled

• Each report is assessed to determine the level of response/information required to protect the child(ren).
• CFS will respond to all reports that rise to the legal standard of investigation, commonly within 24 hours or within ten (10) calendar days.
• If an in-person response is not required but there is a concern of abuse or neglect by a parent or caregiver in the home, the report will still be documented in the state-wide child welfare services database.

Contact information

Marin County Children and Family Services (CFS) 24-Hour Abuse and Neglect Reporting Hotline: 415-473-7153

Mandated Reporter form submission and questions:
Mandated Reporter
Fax: 415-473-3279