Worried about a child? Tell us He māharahara ōu ki tētahi tamaiti? Whakamōhio mai
Anyone who is worried about a tamaiti or rangatahi can make a report of concern to us or the police.
If you, a child or young person is in immediate danger call:
POLICE ON 111
If you are worried about a child, young person or unborn baby, we want to hear from you. We’re here to listen, even if you just need to talk.
It’s our job to receive reports and react to suspected child abuse or neglect. We review all concerns with care to find the best steps for the child and their whānau.
Call us
Speak to a social worker:
Call us free 24/7 on
A social worker can talk to you about your worries. Even if you are not sure a child is experiencing abuse, or just need to talk.
They will also record your concerns and what you have seen or heard.
Once they do, they will review your report. They then determine the next steps to best support the child and their whānau.
Fill in our online form
Our online report form can guide you to share your concerns and add details that can help.
Please include your phone number. We may still need to speak with you to fully understand what is happening.
The form will ask:
- About the child or young person and their family, their names and address.
- What you are worried about.
- Details about what you have seen or heard.
- What you think might best support the child or young person.
You can also upload documents or images that you think might help.
If you have any queries about our form or want to email us about a concern, email us at contact@ot.govt.nz
What child abuse or neglect is
Child abuse and neglect are actions that result in likely or actual harm to a child or young person.
These actions could be from parents or caregivers or even other adults or teens. These can also be intentional or not.
Child abuse and neglect can be:
- physical abuse
- emotional or psychological abuse
- ignoring basic needs - which can be physical, emotional, educational or medical
- sexual abuse or exploitation
- exposure to family harm.
For advice on how to spot signs of abuse, see our Identifying abuse page.
Not sure? Call us
You may be worried about the safety and wellbeing of a child or young person but are unsure if situation is serious enough to report.
Call us on 0508 326 459 to talk through any concerns you have. Our social workers can offer feedback and advice to help.
Are you a child or young person?
We want you to feel safe – at home, at school and everywhere else.
It is okay to feel worried sometimes, and it is good to share your worries with an adult.
So if something happens that makes you feel worried or scared, tell an adult you trust.
This could be your mum, dad, teacher, brother or sister. You might also be able to talk to your grandparents, a friend’s mum, someone from your marae or your doctor.
You can also call us on 0508 326 459 if:
- You are being hurt by an adult.
- One of your parents or siblings is being hurt.
Support for those in care
If you are a child in care, VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai is an independent connection and advocacy service who are separate from us and can support you. They are here to listen and be on your side.
VOYCE also organise engaging events for those with care experience so you can connect.
