Prevent Child Abuse in Washington DC
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 Washington DC?
Under Washington DC law, child abuse means:
- infliction of physical or mental injury upon a child;
- sexual abuse or exploitation of a child; or
- negligent treatment or maltreatment of a child.
Child neglect includes children who have been abandoned or abused by his or her parent, guardian, or custodian, or whose parent; who is without proper parental care or control, subsistence, education as required by law, or other care or control necessary for his or her physical, mental, or emotional health.
According to the Child Welfare League of America, there were 15,68 victims of abuse or neglect in the District of Columbia in 2020, a rate of 12.1 per 1,000 children. This is a 16.6% decrease since 2016.
Who is a mandated reporter according to DC requirements?
In DC, people in the following professions are mandated reporters:
- Athletic coaches
- CFSA employees and contractors
- Child care workers
- Chiropractors
- DC Parks and Recreation employees
- Dentists
- Domestic violence counselors
- Human trafficking counselors
- Humane officers (animal cruelty)
- Law enforcement officers
- Medical examiners
- Mental health professionals
- Nurses (LPNs and RNs)
- People caring for or treating patients
- Physicians
- Psychologists
- Public housing resident managers
- School officials
- Social service workers
- Teachers
How do I report child abuse in the District of Columbia?
You can report child abuse and neglect in Washington DC by calling the 24/7 hotline at:
(202) 671-SAFE or (202) 671-7233.
How do I contact the DC Child and Family Services Agency?
Contact the Washington DC Child and Family Services Agency
200 I Street
SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 442-6100
cfsa@dc.gov
Disclaimer: Please ensure the information and courses meet requirements for your organization and circumstances and align with what your Child and Family Services Agency 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 Child and Family Services Agency. If there is a child abuse emergency, call 911 immediately.