# National Child Abuse Help Hotline Act of 2021

This bill establishes a national hotline specifically designed to help people report child abuse and get support for children who are being harmed. Right now, if someone suspects a child is being abused, they might not know who to call or where to report it—they might try local police, child protective services, or other agencies, but there's no single, easy-to-remember number dedicated to this purpose. This bill creates a centralized hotline that would serve as a clear entry point for anyone concerned about a child's safety.

The hotline would be staffed to handle calls from people who suspect abuse, from children themselves who need help, and from mandated reporters like teachers and healthcare workers who are legally required to report suspected abuse. The bill aims to make it easier for people to take action when they see signs of child abuse, whether that's physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, or emotional harm. By having one dedicated number that people can remember and call, the hope is that more cases of abuse will be reported and children can get help faster.

The practical impact is that this creates a more accessible reporting system for child abuse. Instead of someone having to search for the right agency to contact, they can call one number and be connected to appropriate resources and local authorities. This could help catch abuse cases earlier, potentially preventing further harm to children. For families in crisis, it also provides a resource to call for help and guidance. The bill essentially recognizes that child protection works better when there's a clear, simple way for the public to report concerns and get connected to help.

National Child Abuse Help Hotline Act of 2021

Collins, Susan M.

National Child Abuse Help Hotline Act of 2021 This bill provides for a grant to establish and operate a National Child Abuse Hotline that makes available assistance and information services 24 hours a day to victims of child abuse or neglect, their families, caregivers, and individuals required by law to report suspected child abuse or neglect. The Department of Health and Human Services may award the grant to a nonprofit entity with experience operating a hotline and providing such assistance and support.