Missouri Child Abuse Hotline marks 50 years of service

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., (KBSI) — The Missouri Department of Social Services’ Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline is celebrating 50 years of operation, marking five decades of responding to reports of suspected child abuse or neglect.

Established on Aug. 15, 1975, the hotline has received over 4.5 million calls and has been a vital component of the state’s child welfare system.

“The Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline is a call to action,” said Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe. “Protecting children is everyone’s duty. If you see something, say something.”

In 2024, the hotline managed 154,967 reports. The department encourages anyone who suspects child abuse or neglect to call the toll-free hotline at 1-800-392-3738.