Prevent Child Abuse in Nevada
How do I get online child abuse prevention training and background checks?
Compass Abuse Prevention Services offers online child abuse prevention training and background checks.
What is child abuse and neglect in Nevada?
Under Nevada law, abuse or neglect of a child means physical and mental non-accidental injury; sexual abuse or sexual exploitation; or negligent treatment or maltreatment of a child under age of 18 caused or allowed by a person responsible for his welfare.
According to the Child Welfare League of America, there were 5,016 victims of abuse or neglect in Nevada in 2020, a rate of 7.2 per 1,000 children. This is a 2.7% increase since 2016.
Who is a mandated reporter according to NV state requirements?
The following people are mandated by Nevada law to report suspected incidents of abuse or neglect.
If you are part of the below listed activities or professions, you are required to report as soon as possible, but within the next 24 hours:
- A physician, dentist, dental hygienist, chiropractor, optometrist, podiatric physician, medical examiner, resident, intern, professional or practical nurse, physician assistant licensed pursuant to perfusionist, psychiatrist, psychologist, marriage and family therapist, clinical professional counselor, clinical alcohol and drug abuse counselor, alcohol and drug abuse counselor, clinical social worker, music therapist, athletic trainer, advanced emergency medical technician or other person providing medical services licensed or certified in this State.
- Any personnel of a hospital or similar institution engaged in the admission, examination, care or treatment of persons or an administrator, manager or other person in charge of a hospital or similar institution upon notification of suspected abuse or neglect of a child by a member of the staff of the hospital.
- A coroner.
- A member of the clergy, practitioner of Christian Science or religious healer, unless the person has acquired the knowledge of the abuse or neglect from the offender during a confession.
- A social worker and an administrator, teacher, librarian or counselor of a school.
- Any person who maintains or is employed by a facility or establishment that provides care for children, children’s camp or other public or private facility, institution or agency furnishing care to a child.
- Any person licensed to conduct a foster home.
- Any officer or employee of a law enforcement agency or an adult or juvenile probation officer.
- An attorney, unless the attorney has acquired the knowledge of the abuse or neglect from a client who is or may be accused of the abuse or neglect.
- Any person who maintains, is employed by or serves as a volunteer for an agency or service which advises persons regarding abuse or neglect of a child and refers them to persons and agencies where their requests and needs can be met.
- Any person who is employed by or serves as a volunteer for a youth shelter.
- Any adult person who is employed by an entity that provides organized activities for children.
Anyone, if they are not a mandated reporter, can and should report incidents of suspected abuse or neglect as soon as possible.
How do I report child abuse in Nevada?
People can report child abuse to the following child abuse reporting hotlines in NV:
Washoe County
833-900-SAFE
Clark County
(702) 399-0081
All Other Counties
833-571-1041
After Hours, Holidays, and Weekends
833-803-1183
How do I contact the NV Department of Health & Human Services?
Contact the Nevada Department of Health & Human Services
Division of Child & Family Services
4126 Technology Way, 3rd Floor
Carson City, NV 89706
Phone: (775) 684-4400
systems.advocate@dcfs.nv.gov
Disclaimer: Please ensure the information and courses meet requirements for your organization and circumstances and align with what your state Department of Health & Human Services requires. The state requirements and child abuse and human trafficking statistics listed on this page are current as of February 21st, 2023 to meet the best information available. State requirements may change and it is your responsibility to know your state mandated reporter requirements and the process for online child abuse prevention training. Compass Abuse Prevention Services can not guarantee acceptance by your school, organization, or state Division of Child & Family Services. If there is a child abuse emergency, call 911 immediately.