Michigan CPS Phone Number: How To Report Child Abuse

If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected in Michigan, knowing how to contact Child Protective Services (CPS) is crucial. This guide provides the essential phone numbers and information you need to report your concerns and protect vulnerable children.

Michigan CPS Contact Information

The primary phone number to report child abuse or neglect in Michigan is:

• Centralized Intake Hotline: 855-444-3911

This hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can call to report suspected abuse or neglect, and trained professionals will assess the situation and take appropriate action.

Additional Contact Options

While the hotline is the most direct way to report, here are other resources you might find helpful:

• Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS): This is the overarching agency responsible for CPS. You can find information on their website or contact them for general inquiries.
• Local County DHHS Offices: Each county in Michigan has a DHHS office that handles CPS cases. You can find the contact information for your local office on the MDHHS website.

Who is Required to Report?

Michigan law designates certain individuals as mandated reporters. These professionals are legally required to report suspected child abuse or neglect. Mandated reporters include:

• Teachers
• School personnel
• Doctors
• Nurses
• Social workers
• Law enforcement officers
• Childcare providers

Even if you are not a mandated reporter, you are encouraged to report any concerns you have about a child's safety.

What Information to Provide When Reporting

When you call the CPS hotline, be prepared to provide as much information as possible, including:

• The child's name, age, and address
• The name and address of the child's parents or guardians
• A detailed description of the suspected abuse or neglect
• Any dates, times, or locations related to the abuse or neglect
• Your name and contact information (optional, you can report anonymously)

Understanding the Reporting Process

• Initial Assessment: When a report is made, CPS will conduct an initial assessment to determine if there is reason to suspect abuse or neglect.
• Investigation: If the initial assessment indicates a potential risk, CPS will conduct a full investigation, which may involve interviewing the child, parents, and other relevant individuals.
• Intervention: If the investigation confirms abuse or neglect, CPS will take steps to protect the child, which may include providing services to the family or removing the child from the home.

Supporting Resources for Families

If you are a parent struggling to care for your child, resources are available to help:

• Great Start to Quality: Offers resources and support for parents and families, including information on childcare, early childhood education, and parenting.
• Michigan 2-1-1: A free, confidential service that connects people with essential health and human services.

Conclusion

Reporting suspected child abuse or neglect is a critical step in protecting vulnerable children. By knowing the appropriate phone numbers and understanding the reporting process, you can help ensure that children in Michigan are safe and have the opportunity to thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when you call CPS in Michigan?

When you call the CPS hotline (855-444-3911) in Michigan, a trained professional will answer your call and ask you questions about the situation you are reporting. They will assess the information you provide and determine if it meets the criteria for a CPS investigation. You may be asked to provide details about the child, their parents or caregivers, the nature of the suspected abuse or neglect, and any relevant dates or locations. The call is confidential, and you can choose to remain anonymous. — MD Comptroller Phone Number: Contact Information

How do I report child abuse anonymously in Michigan?

You can report child abuse anonymously in Michigan by calling the CPS hotline at 855-444-3911. When you call, simply inform the operator that you wish to remain anonymous. They will still take your report and ask for as much information as you can provide, but they will not ask for your name or contact information.

What is the penalty for not reporting child abuse in Michigan?

Michigan law requires certain professionals, known as mandated reporters, to report suspected child abuse or neglect. Failure to report can result in criminal charges, including fines and imprisonment. The specific penalties vary depending on the circumstances of the case. — Filibuster: Explained Simply

What constitutes child neglect in Michigan?

In Michigan, child neglect is defined as a parent or caregiver's failure to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or supervision, resulting in harm or risk of harm to the child. This can include physical neglect, emotional neglect, medical neglect, and educational neglect. — Where To Watch 'Good Morning America' Easily

How does CPS investigate a report of child abuse?

When CPS receives a report of suspected child abuse, they conduct an investigation to determine if abuse or neglect has occurred. This may involve interviewing the child, parents, caregivers, and other relevant individuals, as well as gathering evidence such as medical records, school records, and photographs. CPS will also assess the safety of the child's living environment and the risk of future harm.