Prevent Child Abuse in Connecticut
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 Connecticut?
Connecticut state law defines child abuse as including: educational neglect, emotional maltreatment, emotional neglect, medical neglect, moral neglect, physical abuse, physical neglect, sexual abuse, and sexual exploitation.
According to the Child Welfare League of America, there were 6,346 victims of abuse or neglect in Connecticut in 2020, a rate of 8.8 per 1,000 children. This is a 20.7% decrease since 2016. Of these children, 66% were neglected, 4% were physically abused, and 5% were sexually abused.
Who is a mandated reporter according to CT state requirements?
The CT Department of Children and Families offers free online mandatory reporter training.
The following persons shall be mandated reporters, in accordance with CT Statutes chapter 319a – Child Welfare, Sec. 17a-101:
- any licensed physician or surgeon
- any resident physician or intern in any hospital in this state, whether or not so licensed
- any registered nurse
- any licensed practical nurse
- any medical examiner
- any dentist
- any dental hygienist
- any psychologist
- any school employee, including a teacher, substitute teacher, school administrator, school superintendent, guidance counselor, psychologist, social worker, nurse, physician, school paraprofessional or coach employed by a local or regional board of education or a private elementary, middle or high school or working in a public or private elementary, middle or high school; any other person who, in the performance of his or her duties, has regular contact with students (i.e. public and private school bus drivers) and who provides services to or on behalf of students enrolled in a public elementary, middle or high school, pursuant to a contract with the local or regional board of education, or a private elementary, middle or high school, pursuant to a contract with the supervisory agent of such private school.
- social worker
- any person who holds or is issued a coaching permit by the State Board of Education, is a coach of intramural or interscholastic athletics and is eighteen years of age or older
- any individual who is employed as a coach or director of youth athletics and is eighteen years of age or older
- any individual who is employed as a coach or director of a private youth sports organization, league or team and is eighteen years of age or older
- any paid administrator, faculty, staff, athletic director, athletic coach or athletic trainer employed by a public or private institution of higher education who is eighteen years of age or older, excluding student employees
- any police officer
- any juvenile or adult probation officer
- any juvenile or adult parole officer
- any member of the clergy
- any pharmacist
- any physical therapist
- any optometrist
- any chiropractor
- any podiatrist
- any mental health professional
- any physician assistant
- any person who is a licensed or certified emergency medical services provider
- any person who is a licensed or certified alcohol and drug counselor
- any person who is a licensed marital and family therapist
- any person who is a sexual assault counselor or a domestic violence counselor
- any person who is a licensed professional counselor
- any person who is a licensed foster parent
- any person paid to care for a child in any public or private facility, child day care center, group day care home or family day care home licensed by the state
- any employee of the Department of Children and Families
- any employee of the Department of Public Health, any employee of the Office of Early Childhood who is responsible for the licensing of child day care centers, group day care homes, family day care homes or youth camps
- any paid youth camp director or assistant director
- the Child Advocate and any employee of the Office of the Child Advocate
- any family relations counselor, family relations counselor trainee or family services supervisor employed by the Judicial Department.
- any person who is a licensed behavior analyst
How do I report child abuse and neglect in Connecticut?
To make a child abuse or neglect report, call the 24/7 Careline at 1-800-842-2288.
Within forty-eight hours of making an oral report, a mandated reporter must submit this form (DCF-136). Here is the online mandated reporter portal.
How do I contact the CT State Department of Children and Families?
Contact the Connecticut Department of Children and Families
505 Hudson Street
Hartford CT 06106
Phone Number: 860-550-6300
Disclaimer: Please ensure the information and courses meet requirements for your organization and circumstances and align with what your state Department of Children and Families 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 Children and Families. If there is a child abuse emergency, call 911 immediately.