If you're seeking resources to address or report child abuse in Alabama, there are several organizations and programs that provide support, intervention, and prevention services. Here’s a detailed list:
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### **1. Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR)**
- **Purpose**: Oversees child protective services, including investigating and addressing reports of child abuse and neglect.
- **Contact**:
- **Child Abuse Hotline**: **1-334-242-9500**
- **After Hours Reporting**: Contact local law enforcement.
- **Website**: [dhr.alabama.gov](https://www.dhr.alabama.gov)
- **Details**:
- Accepts reports of suspected abuse or neglect.
- Provides child welfare and protective services.
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### **2. Alabama Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers (ANCAC)**
- **Purpose**: Supports child victims of abuse and provides coordinated care through local advocacy centers.
- **Contact**:
- **Website**: [alabamacacs.org](https://www.alabamacacs.org)
- Find your nearest advocacy center through their website.
- **Services**:
- Counseling and support services for children and families.
- Forensic interviews and medical exams for victims.
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### **3. National Child Abuse Hotline**
- **Purpose**: Provides 24/7 confidential support and assistance for reporting and preventing child abuse.
- **Contact**:
- **Phone**: **1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)**
- **Website**: [childhelphotline.org](https://www.childhelphotline.org)
- **Details**:
- Hotline counselors provide crisis intervention, referrals, and advice.
- Multilingual services available.
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### **4. Alabama Law Enforcement**
- **Purpose**: Law enforcement agencies are required to investigate criminal aspects of child abuse cases.
- **Contact**: Call **911** for emergencies or your **local police department** for non-emergency cases involving abuse.
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### **5. Children's Trust Fund of Alabama**
- **Purpose**: Works on preventing child abuse and neglect through community programs.
- **Contact**:
- **Website**: [ctf.alabama.gov](https://ctf.alabama.gov)
- **Services**:
- Parenting support programs.
- Prevention education and advocacy.
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### **6. Child Advocacy and Legal Aid Services**
- **Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (ADAP)**:
- **Phone**: **1-800-826-1675**
- **Website**: [adap.ua.edu](https://adap.ua.edu)
- Details: Advocates for children with disabilities who may be victims of abuse or neglect.
- **Legal Services Alabama (LSA)**:
- **Phone**: **1-866-456-4995**
- **Website**: [legalservicesalabama.org](https://legalservicesalabama.org)
- Details: Provides free legal aid to families affected by abuse.
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### **7. Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH)**
- **Purpose**: Addresses health-related aspects of child abuse, including medical evaluations.
- **Contact**:
- **Phone**: **334-206-5300**
- **Website**: [adph.org](https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov)
- **Services**:
- Child health screenings and evaluations.
- Public education about abuse prevention.
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### **8. Darkness to Light – Alabama Chapter**
- **Purpose**: Focuses on preventing child sexual abuse through education and awareness.
- **Contact**:
- **Website**: [d2l.org](https://www.d2l.org)
- **Services**:
- Training programs for parents, teachers, and communities.
- Prevention and response resources.
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### **9. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Alabama**
- **Purpose**: Advocates for abused and neglected children in the court system.
- **Contact**:
- **Website**: [alabamacasa.org](https://alabamacasa.org)
- **Details**:
- Volunteer advocates work to ensure children’s best interests in court cases.
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### **10. Mandatory Reporting in Alabama**
- **Who Must Report**: Teachers, doctors, counselors, social workers, clergy, and others in similar professions are required by law to report suspected abuse.
- **How to Report**: Contact Alabama DHR or local law enforcement immediately.
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### **11. Prevent Child Abuse Alabama**
- **Purpose**: A nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing child abuse through education and advocacy.
- **Contact**:
- **Website**: [preventchildabuse.org](https://preventchildabuse.org)
- **Details**:
- Parent education programs.
- Community awareness campaigns.
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### How to Take Action:
1. **Report Immediately**: If you suspect child abuse, call the Alabama Child Abuse Hotline at **1-334-242-9500** or **911** for emergencies.
2. **Document Evidence**: If possible, record details about the suspected abuse to aid investigations.
3. **Seek Support**: Utilize local child advocacy centers or counseling services for ongoing help.
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