Prevent Child Abuse in Alaska
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 Alaska?
Under Alaska law, the definitions of child abuse and neglect are aligned with federal legislation. The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA, 42 U.S.C. § 5101) provides the federal minimum definition of child abuse and neglect:
‘‘Any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker, which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation, or an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm.”
According to the Child Welfare League of America, there were 3,212 victims of abuse or neglect in Alaska in 2020, a rate of 18 per 1,000 children, an increase of 5% from 2016. Of these children, 51% were neglected, 15% were physically abused, 24% suffered psychological maltreatment, and 7% were sexually abused.
Who is a mandated reporter according to AK state requirements?
Alaska state law (A.S. 47.17.020) requires that mandated reports report child maltreatment. Even if you are not an Alaska mandatory reporter, you can and should report child abuse and neglect.
The following are mandated reporters in Alaska:
- Practitioners of the healing arts, including chiropractors, mental health counselors, social workers, dentists, dental hygienists, health aides, nurses, nurse practitioners, certified nurse aides, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, optometrists, osteopaths, naturopaths, physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, physicians, physician assistants, psychiatrists, psychologists, psychological associates, audiologists, speech-language pathologists, hearing aid dealers, marital and family therapists, religious healing practitioners, acupuncturists, and surgeons
- Administrative officers of institutions, including public and private hospitals or other facilities for medical diagnosis, treatment or care
- Paid employees of domestic violence and sexual assault prevention programs, and crisis intervention and prevention programs
- Paid employees of an organization that provides counseling or treatment to individuals seeking to control their use of drugs or alcohol
- School teachers and school administrative staff members (public and private schools)
- Athletic coaches of both public and private schools
- Peace officers and officers of the state Department of Corrections
- Child care providers, including foster parents, day care providers and paid staff
- Members of child fatality review teams, and multidisciplinary child protection teams
- Volunteers who interact with children in a public or private school for more than four hours a week
How do I report child abuse in Alaska?
If you suspect a child was abused or neglected, immediately contact the Office of Children’s Services (OCS) 24/7 hotline at 1-800-478-4444 or by emailing reportchildabuse@alaska.gov.
As of September 1, 2020 all reports of sexual abuse should be made to both OCS and to law enforcement.
Mandated reporters must report suspected abuse or neglect immediately, which means as soon as reasonably possible and no later than within 24 hours.
State law (A.S. 47.17.068) and federal law (18 U.S.C. 1169) provide for criminal penalties for failing to comply with the obligation to report suspected abuse or neglect.
As of July 2019, mandatory reporters must report child sexual abuse to both the law enforcement agency assigned to the area the abuse took place and the Office of Children’s Services.
Office of Children’s Services Child Abuse Hotline
Reports can be made by calling 1-800-478-4444 or by emailing reportchildabuse@alaska.gov.
Law Enforcement Child Sexual Abuse Reporting
Call the local law enforcement agency assigned to the area where the abuse took place.
To help a child who experiences abuse and neglect, a person should have a general understanding of the signs and symptoms. Educating yourself with child abuse prevention training and online mandatory reporter training and about types of harm and typical signs of abuse and neglect will help you identify what to report.
How do I contact the AK Department of Health and Social Services?
Contact the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services
Office of Children’s Service
In Anchorage: (907) 269-4000,
In Juneau: (907) 465-1650
Disclaimer: Please ensure the information and courses meet requirements for your organization and circumstances and align with what your state Department of Health and Social Services requires. The state requirements and child abuse and human trafficking statistics listed on this page are current as of February 20th, 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 of Health and Social Services. If there is a child abuse emergency, call 911 immediately.