There were nearly 30,000 cases of child abuse or neglect reported to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services in 2021. Last week, DHHS announced a new online tool that will allow people to report suspected abuse or neglect of children and adults.
Through the online portal, reporters can log on at any time to voice their concerns. People are asked to provide as much information as possible, and to provide their contact information in order to be contacted by a staff member following their report.
Alyssa Bish, Director of Children and Family Services at DHHS, said she hopes this new resource will be a way to make the process of reporting and investigating abuse and neglect claims much more streamlined.
“This new website not only simplifies the reporting process, but also makes it easier for CFS to catalogue these reports,” Bish said in a press release. “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.”
Reports made on the website will be directed to staff members, who will follow up with reporters about whether or not their report will be assessed.
To report child abuse and neglect, call the DHHS 24/7 hotline at 1-800-652-1999.