Allen County Children Services

Report Abuse

To Report Child Abuse or Neglect in Allen County, Ohio

If you have a reason to believe any child under 18 (or any child with a physical or mental handicap under the age of 21) is abused or neglected, make a report*. You only need to suspect or have reason to believe that a child is at risk. We will attempt to determine if abuse or neglect is occurring.

Make a report

You can make a report to Children Services by calling (419) 227-8590. There is someone answering the phone Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

If it is after 4:30 p.m., on a weekend or on a holiday, emergency reports should be made to law enforcement agencies who will contact our on-call children services staff.

If it’s an emergency, please call the Sheriff’s line at (419) 227-3535

Please DO NOT make reports to our email address. Your concerns are too important to wait until someone checks the day's email.

Mandated reporters

Allen County Children Services assesses allegations of possible abuse or neglect based on reports received from the community. Some individuals are considered “Mandated Reporters” and are required* by law to report their concerns to the agency.

Mandated reporters include:

  • Physicians
  • Teachers
  • Social Workers
  • Day Care Providers
  • Nurses

To determine if you are considered a “Mandated Reporter” click here: Ohio Mandatory Reporting Requirements provided by RAINN.org

How to know if it’s Abuse or Neglect

Child abuse can include any of the following:

Physical Abuse is non-accidental physical injury (ranging from minor bruises to severe fractures or death) as a result of punching, beating, kicking, biting, shaking, throwing, stabbing, choking, hitting (with a hand, stick, strap, or other objects), burning or otherwise harming a child. It can be inflicted by a parent, caregiver, or any other person who has responsibility for the child. Such injury is considered abuse regardless of whether the caregiver intended to hurt the child. Physical discipline, such as spanking or paddling, is not considered abuse if it is reasonable and causes no bodily injury to the child.

Sexual Abuse includes activities by any adult or older child such as fondling a child’s genitals, penetration, incest, rape, sodomy, indecent exposure, and exploitation through prostitution or the production of pornographic materials.

Emotional Abuse or Psychological Abuse is a pattern of behavior that impairs a child’s emotional development or sense of self-worth. This may include constant criticism, threats or rejection, as well as withholding love, support, or guidance. Emotional abuse is often difficult to prove and, therefore, child protective services may not be able to intervene without evidence of harm or mental injury to the child. Emotional abuse is almost always present when other forms are identified.

Neglect is the failure of a parent, guardian, or other caregivers to provide for a child’s basic needs. Neglect may be:

  • Physical, for example, a failure to provide necessary food or shelter, or lack of appropriate supervision.
  • Medical, such as a failure to provide necessary medical or mental health treatment.
  • Educational, should the caregiver fail to educate a child or attend to special education needs.
  • Emotional, such as inattention to a child’s emotional needs, failure to provide psychological care, or permitting the child to use alcohol or other drugs.

Allen County Children Services assesses allegations of possible abuse or neglect based on reports received from the community. Some individuals, including physicians, teachers, social workers, daycare providers, etc., are required by law to report their concerns to the agency.

*A report of suspected child abuse and neglect is confidential. Your identity cannot be released to anyone without your permission, except under a direct order from the court. You are protected from civil or criminal liability. Ohio law protects individuals who report allegations of abuse or neglect in good faith.

If you make a report to Allen County Children Services, you will be asked a series of questions to assist the agency in determining the risk to the children being reported. Although anonymous reports are accepted, you are encouraged to give your name to make it possible for the agency to obtain additional or clarifying information, if needed.