Nebraskans get new option to report child and adult abuse concerns online

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LINCOLN — The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has launched a new online portal for people to report suspected child and adult abuse and neglect.

The online mechanism is described as a complement to the existing statewide hotline where people still can phone in child abuse and neglect. The online service provides an additional way to report concerns, according to a statement from the DHHS Division of Children and Family Services.

“This new website not only simplifies the reporting process, but also makes it easier for CFS to catalogue these reports,” said CFS Director Alyssa Bish. “Having such an important tool available to the public is a vital part of making sure we can take action on reports of abuse and neglect in our state.”

The online reporting option can be accessed 24/7, DHHS said, letting individuals report concerns on their own schedule. The website allows for separate reporting of abuse and neglect against either a child or a vulnerable adult.

People will be asked to provide personal information so CFS or law enforcement authorities can contact them for clarification. Or, they can opt to remain anonymous.

Those reporting suspected abuse or neglect will be asked to include as much information as possible about the victim, the alleged perpetrator and more. DHHS will route the information to the appropriate staff.

The existing telephone Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline will remain available: (800) 652-1999. For more information about child abuse and neglect reporting in Nebraska, visit the DHHS website at https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Child-Abuse.aspx .

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