Prevent Child Abuse in Vermont
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 Vermont?
Under Vermont law, an abused or neglected child means a child whose physical health, psychological growth and development, or welfare is harmed or is at substantial risk of harm by the acts or omissions of his or her parent or other person responsible for the child’s welfare.
This also means a child who is sexually abused or at substantial risk of sexual abuse by any person and a child who has died as a result of abuse or neglect.
According to the Child Welfare League of America, there were 530 victims of abuse or neglect in Vermont in 2020, a rate of 4.7 per 1,000 children. This is a 4.8% decrease since 2016.
Who is a mandated reporter according to VT state requirements?
All Vermonters are encouraged to report their concerns about children’s safety.
Mandated reporters are legally required to report any suspected child abuse and neglect to us within 24 hours. Mandated reporters in VT are:
- Health care provider, including any chiropractor, dentist, emergency medical personnel, hospital administrator, intern, licensed practical nurse, medical examiner, osteopath, pharmacist, physician, physician assistant, psychologist, registered nurse, resident physician, and surgeon
- Individual who is a) employed by a school district or an approved or recognized independent school or b) contracted and paid by a school district or an approved or recognized independent school to provide student services, including any school superintendent, school principal, headmaster of an approved or recognized independent school, school teacher, student teacher, school librarian, and school guidance counselor
- Agency of Human Services employee, contractor, or grantee who has contact with clients
- Camp administrator, counselor, and owner, including any residential and nonresidential camp and recreational program
- Childcare worker
- Clergy member
- Mental health professional
- Police officer
- Probation officer
- Social worker
How do I report child abuse in Vermont?
If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, call the Vermont 24/7 hotline at: 1-800-649-5285 to report it.
How do I contact the Vermont Agency of Human Services?
Department for Children and Families
280 State Drive, HC 1 North
Waterbury, VT 05671-1080
(802) 241-2131
Disclaimer: Please ensure the information and courses meet requirements for your organization and circumstances and align with what your state Agency of Human Services requires. The state requirements and child abuse and human trafficking statistics listed on this page are current as of February 22nd, 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 Department for Children and Families. If there is a child abuse emergency, call 911 immediately.