Prevent Child Abuse in Kentucky
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 Kentucky?
Kentucky law KRS 600.020 defines an abused or neglected child as a child whose health or welfare is harmed or threatened with harm when his parent, guardian, or other person exercising custodial control or supervision of the child:
- Inflicts or allows to be inflicted upon the child physical or emotional injury as
defined in this section by other than accidental means; - Creates or allows to be created a risk of physical or emotional injury as defined in
this section to the child by other than accidental means; - Engages in a pattern of conduct that renders the parent incapable of caring for
the immediate and ongoing needs of the child including, but not limited to,
parental incapacity due to alcohol and other drug abuse as defined in KRS
222.005(12); - Continuously or repeatedly fails or refuses to provide essential parental care and
protection for the child, considering the age of the child; - Commits or allows to be committed an act of sexual abuse, sexual exploitation,
or prostitution upon the child; - Creates or allows to be created a risk that an act of sexual abuse, sexual
exploitation, or prostitution will be committed upon a child; - Abandons or exploits the child;
- Does not provide the child with adequate care, supervision, food, clothing,
shelter, education or medical care necessary for the child’s well-being.
According to the Child Welfare League of America, there were 16,748 victims of abuse or neglect in
Kentucky in 2020, a rate of 16.7 per 1,000 children. This is a 16.3% decrease since 2016.
Who is a mandated reporter according to KY state requirements?
According to The Child Abuse and Neglect Guidebook, anyone with a reasonable suspicion that a child is dependent, abused or neglected is required to make a report to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS).
In addition, the following individuals may be required to submit a more detailed, written report:
Any person, including but not limited to a physician, osteopathic physician, nurse,
teacher, school personnel, social worker, coroner, medical examiner, child-caring
personnel, resident, intern, chiropractor, dentist, optometrist, emergency medical
technician, paramedic, health professional, mental health professional, peace officer or
any organization or agency for any of the above, who knows or has reasonable cause to
believe that a child is dependent, neglected or abused, regardless of whether the person
believed to have caused the dependency, neglect or abuse is a parent, guardian, person
exercising custodial control or supervision or another person who has attended such
child as a part of his professional duties.
How do I report child abuse in Kentucky?
To report child abuse and neglect in Kentucky, call either of the toll-free numbers listed below:
- (877) 597-2331 or (877) KYSAFE1
- (800) 752-6200
In a non-emergency situation, you can file an online report. Online reports will be monitored Monday-Friday between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm (EST).
How do I contact the KY Cabinet for Health and Family Services?
Contact the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services
Child Protection Branch
275 E. Main St. 3E-A
Frankfort, KY 40621
(502) 564-2136
Disclaimer: Please ensure the information and courses meet requirements for your organization and circumstances and align with what your state Cabinet for Health and Family 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 Cabinet for Health and Family Services. If there is a child abuse emergency, call 911 immediately.