Noor Says NoHow do you report child abuse in the US and UK?
Sources reviewed on November 1, 2026. Based on public advice, see below.
In danger, call 911 in the US or 999 in the UK. Otherwise, contact your state's child protective agency in the US, or your local council's children's social care team in the UK. You don't need to be sure. For advice first, call Childhelp in the US or the NSPCC in the UK.
Who do you call in the United States?
- Emergency: 911.
- Report: your state's child protective agency. Childhelp has a map with reporting contacts for each state.
- Advice: the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline, 1-800-422-4453, by call, text or chat. Childhelp says it's a safe space, but not a reporting line, and it isn't connected to 911.
- Online exploitation: report.cybertip.org or NCMEC at 1-800-843-5678.
Who do you call in the United Kingdom?
- Immediate risk: 999.
- Report: the children's social care team at the local council. If it's not an emergency, you can also call 101 or report the crime online.
- Advice: NSPCC, 0808 800 5000.
- Children and young people: Childline, 0800 1111, free.
Do you need proof?
No. GOV.UK says you do not need to be sure; it's OK to report a suspicion. KidsHealth says it's better to report a concern and have no abuse found than not to act.
Can you stay anonymous?
Often. GOV.UK says you'll be asked for your details, but you can choose not to share them. KidsHealth says you don't have to give your name to Childhelp. USAGov says most local police accept anonymous tips.
What happens then?
The agency decides what to look into. In the UK, the person who answers decides what to do next. Stop It Now says a report can be a first step toward support for the child and family.
What not to do?
KidsHealth says never to threaten a person or take the law into your own hands. Let the legal system do its work. Read what to do if your child tells you.
Frequently asked questions
Which number works in other countries?
This page covers the US and UK. Elsewhere, call your local emergency number and look up the child helpline in your country.
Is Childhelp a reporting line?
No. Childhelp says it's a counseling hotline. It isn't connected to 911. Counselors can help you figure out what to do, including who to report to.
Keep reading
- What do you do if your child tells you about abuse?
- What are the signs of child abuse in a young child?
- How do you spot an adult who crosses boundaries with children?
All topics are in the overview of parents' questions. The big picture is in the guide How do you help keep your child safe? A guide for parents. Want to practice this with your child? That's why the picture book Noor Says No was made.
Sources
Each source was read on November 1, 2026. These organizations are not connected to this site or the book.
- USAGov: Report a crime.
- Childhelp: National Child Abuse Hotline.
- GOV.UK: Report child abuse.
- Nemours KidsHealth: Child Abuse.
- National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: CyberTipline.
- Stop It Now: What should I do after a child discloses sexual abuse?.
This is general information, not a replacement for professional help. Worried about a child? In the US, call or text Childhelp at 1-800-422-4453. In the UK, call the NSPCC at 0808 800 5000. Immediate danger: call 911 or 999.
