Child Abuse Reporting and Research
You may encounter or suspect child abuse or neglect during the course of your study. In New Jersey, any person having reasonable cause to believe that a child has been subjected to abuse or acts of abuse should immediately report this information to the NJ Child Abuse hotline. For more information about reporting child abuse please visit the New Jersey Department of Children and Families.
How do I make a child abuse report in New Jersey?
If the child is in immediate danger, call 911 as well as 1-877 NJ ABUSE (1-877-652-2873). A concerned caller does not need proof to report an allegation of child abuse and can make the report anonymously.
What do I have to report to the IRB?
Once you have made a report to the hotline you are required to submit this event as an Adverse Event report. See Unanticipated Problems or Adverse Events for more information. Do not report any identifying information about the victim or perpetrator in your report to the IRB.
What information will I be asked to provide to the hotline screener?
Hotline (1-877 NJ ABUSE or 1-877-652-2873) screeners are trained caseworkers who know how to respond to reports of child abuse/neglect. Whenever possible, a caller should provide all of the following information:
- Who: The child and parent/caregiver’s name, age and address and the name of the alleged perpetrator and that person’s relationship to the child.
- What: Type and frequency of alleged abuse/neglect, current or previous injuries to the child and what caused you to become concerned.
- When: When the alleged abuse/neglect occurred and when you learned of it.
- Where: Where the incident occurred, where the child is now and whether the alleged perpetrator has access to the child.
- How: How urgent the need is for intervention and whether there is a likelihood of imminent danger for the child.
You do not need (and likely will not have) all this information to make a report.
Is it against the laws of New Jersey to fail to report suspected abuse/neglect?
Any person who knowingly fails to report suspected abuse or neglect according to the NJ law or to comply with the provisions of the law is a disorderly person.
Who do I speak to at Montclair State University if I have questions about making a report?
For more information see: Mandated Reporting of Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect
To file a report with MSU, contact: Yolanda Alvarez, Associate Dean of Students, alvarezyo@montclair.edu.
Is there more information online about what is child abuse and/or reporting?
Yes. The New Jersey Department of Children and Families FAQs website has additional information.