Here are resources available in **Arizona** for addressing **child abuse**, including reporting mechanisms, counseling services, and support for families: ### **1. Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS)** - **Purpose**: The Arizona Department of Child Safety is the primary state agency for handling cases of child abuse and neglect. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: 1-888-SOS-CHILD (1-888-767-2445) (24/7 reporting line) - **Website**: [www.azdcs.gov](https://www.azdcs.gov) - **Services**: - This department handles the investigation and intervention in child abuse cases. It provides child protection services, emergency response, and foster care services for abused and neglected children. DCS also supports the reunification of families whenever safe to do so. --- ### **2. Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline** - **Purpose**: A national hotline that provides confidential support for those experiencing or witnessing child abuse. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) (24/7) - **Text**: Text “4HELP” to 1-800-422-4453 - **Website**: [www.childhelp.org](https://www.childhelp.org) - **Services**: - Provides crisis intervention, information, and referrals to local services for victims of child abuse. The hotline also helps to connect families and concerned individuals with local support and counseling services. --- ### **3. Arizona Child Abuse Hotline (DCS)** - **Purpose**: A statewide 24/7 hotline for reporting suspected child abuse and neglect. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: 1-888-767-2445 (24/7 hotline) - **Website**: [www.azdcs.gov](https://www.azdcs.gov) - **Services**: - This is a key resource for reporting child abuse. The hotline is managed by the Arizona Department of Child Safety and operates 24/7 for the public to report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect. All calls are anonymous. --- ### **4. Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV)** - **Purpose**: A statewide organization dedicated to ending sexual and domestic violence, which includes child abuse and neglect. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (602) 279-2900 - **Website**: [www.acesdv.org](https://www.acesdv.org) - **Services**: - ACESDV provides resources, education, and advocacy for victims of abuse. They offer legal resources, counseling referrals, and a network of shelters for victims of domestic and sexual violence, including children. They also advocate for policy changes to support child protection. --- ### **5. National Children's Alliance (NCA)** - **Purpose**: Provides support and resources to children's advocacy centers nationwide, including Arizona, that offer services for child abuse victims. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (202) 548-0090 - **Website**: [www.nationalchildrensalliance.org](https://www.nationalchildrensalliance.org) - **Services**: - Offers a directory of child advocacy centers across the U.S., including Arizona. These centers offer a coordinated approach to investigating and treating child abuse, providing a safe space for children to receive support and begin the healing process. --- ### **6. Phoenix Children's Hospital - Child Abuse Program** - **Purpose**: Provides specialized care and support for children who have experienced abuse. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (602) 933-0982 - **Website**: [www.phoenixchildrens.org](https://www.phoenixchildrens.org) - **Services**: - This hospital offers a specialized child abuse program that includes medical evaluations, psychological support, and referrals to appropriate community services. They work closely with law enforcement and DCS to ensure comprehensive care for children who have been abused. --- ### **7. The Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ACADV)** - **Purpose**: Works to eliminate domestic violence, including child abuse, through prevention, advocacy, and education. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (602) 279-2900 - **Website**: [www.azcadv.org](https://www.azcadv.org) - **Services**: - ACADV provides resources and advocacy for individuals affected by domestic violence, including children who are victims of abuse. They offer support services, legal advocacy, and training for professionals working with abuse survivors. --- ### **8. Prevent Child Abuse Arizona (PCA Arizona)** - **Purpose**: Focuses on the prevention of child abuse through education, public awareness campaigns, and community outreach. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (602) 264-6771 - **Website**: [www.preventchildabuseaz.org](https://www.preventchildabuseaz.org) - **Services**: - PCA Arizona works to prevent child abuse by promoting public awareness and providing educational programs for parents, caregivers, and the community. They offer resources for families, schools, and communities to prevent abuse before it starts. --- ### **9. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Arizona** - **Purpose**: CASA advocates for children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect and are involved in the court system. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: (520) 792-6983 (Southern Arizona) - **Website**: [www.azcasahome.org](https://www.azcasahome.org) - **Services**: - CASA volunteers are appointed by the court to advocate for children in foster care. These volunteers work to ensure that the best interests of the child are represented during legal proceedings and help them navigate the system. --- ### **10. Arizona's Juvenile Court Services** - **Purpose**: Addresses legal proceedings related to child abuse, providing support for both children and parents. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: Contact the local Juvenile Court in your county - **Website**: [www.azcourt.gov](https://www.azcourt.gov) - **Services**: - Provides resources for families involved in child abuse legal cases, offering support during investigations, hearings, and family reunification efforts. Juvenile courts work closely with DCS to ensure the safety and well-being of children. --- These organizations provide a variety of support services including **legal help**, **emotional counseling**, **educational programs**, and **emergency intervention** to address child abuse in Arizona. If you suspect a child is being abused, it is crucial to report it immediately to the **Arizona Child Abuse Hotline** or the **National Child Abuse Hotline**.