State law requires that every health care professional, teacher, and every other person who has reason to believe that a child under 18 is being abused or neglected, or is in danger of being abused or neglected, must report the suspicion of abuse to the OKDHS.
To report suspected child abuse call:
- The National Child Abuse Hotline
1-800-4ACHILD (1-800-422-4453) - The Oklahoma Child Abuse Hotline
1-800-522-3511 - Washington County Child Welfare
918-338-5704 - Nowata County Department of Human Services
918-273-2327 - Osage County Department of Human Services
918-273-2327
This call can be made anonymously. The law provides the reporter with immunity from civil and criminal penalties for making reports in good faith.
What is Child Abuse and Neglect?
Physical abuse is the non-accidental physical injury of a child. Examples can include hitting, biting, kicking, shaking, burning, or choking a child. Unexplained injuries to a child may be indications of physical abuse.
Sexual abuse involves anything done with a child for the sexual gratification of an adult or an older child. It may include non-touching offenses such as exposure to pornography or adult sexuality.
Emotional abuse is a pattern of behavior that impairs a child’s emotional development or sense of self-worth. Name-calling, shaming, rejection, or withholding love may be examples of emotional abuse.
Neglect is the failure of a parent, guardian, or another caregiver to provide for a child’s basic needs. This can also include failure to protect them from other types of abuse or a known risk of harm or danger. Basic needs include housing, food, shelter, clothing, education, safety, or medical care access.
If you’d like more information about how to recognize and report child abuse, please visit our training page.