Be the eyes and ears watching over our most vulnerable population. You don’t need proof, and you can report anonymously.
Oklahoma Child Abuse Hotline:
1-800-522-3511
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and we invite the entire community to stand up for Tulsa’s most vulnerable by helping to bring awareness, recognition and resolution to child abuse and neglect.
April is a reminder to the community that we’re all mandated reporters – calling the Child Abuse Hotline allows the appropriate authorities to check on the welfare of a child as well as the rest of the family.
Each of the agencies listed here, provide support for the prevention, intervention or treatment of child abuse and neglect. To support their missions, please visit their donation pages:
During COVID-19 many of the known risk factors that lead to child abuse and neglect – financial stress, job loss, economic instability, illness and substance abuse – were experienced by more families than ever before. At the same time, children had been isolated from teachers and day care providers who report more than half of all cases.
As feared, reports to the Child Abuse Hotline plunged by over 50% in the spring of 2020, but the severity of abuse contained within those reports increased dramatically. In response, Tulsa Area United Way along with partner agencies Child Abuse Network, Family & Children’s Services, The Parent Child Center of Tulsa and Tulsa CASA, Inc., launched the Look Out, Reach Out campaign to bring awareness for child abuse and neglect and how we can all play an integral role in reporting, recognizing and preventing abuse and neglect.
Look out, reach out for Tulsa’s most vulnerable.
*Based on 2020 data.
Plan now for what you’ll do before you feel overwhelmed and lose control. Where in your home can you safely place your child while you take a break in another room?
When you call, ask to speak to the children in the home and listen for the tone in their voices. If possible, get a visual assessment of their well-being by asking the parent or caregiver to Facetime with you and include the child so you can see them.
If you know someone who struggles to parent positively, stay in touch with them by phone, text or Facetime to offer support and encouragement.
Be aware of the welfare of children in your environment. If you see or hear something concerning, call or text one of the resource numbers to have trained personnel advise you on what to do with your information.
When you call, ask to speak to the children in the home and listen for the tone in their voices. If possible, get a visual assessment of their well-being by asking the parent or caregiver to Facetime with you and include the child so you can see them.
Be aware of what the children in your life are doing on their phones. During periods of isolation, there is risk of cyber-bullying and greater opportunities for child predators when young people are using the internet unsupervised.