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Professional Resources

How do I report child abuse or neglect

In an Emergency

If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.

Make a Report

Contact the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) Child Abuse Hotline:

1-877-KYSAFE1 (597-2331) or report online here.

The hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays.

Non-emergency reports may also be submitted through Kentucky's online reporting system during regular business hours, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

If you suspect abuse or neglect make a report

How do I make a referral to the Care Cottage

Referrals to the Care Cottage must come from Child Protective Services (CHFS) or Law Enforcement. To make a referral, contact the Care Cottage and request a forensic interview and/or forensic medical exam.

When making a referral, please provide as much of the following information as possible:

Child's name, date of birth, social security number, gender and race.
Whether the child has previously visited a Child Advocacy Center.
Who the child lives with and their relationship to the child.
Whether that person has legal custody. If not, provide the name of the legal custodian.
Current address and phone number.
Any disabilities or special needs that may affect the child's ability to participate in an interview or medical.
Details of the allegations.
Alleged offender's name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, and relationship to the child.

You do not need to have all of this information before making a referral. If some information is unavailable, make the referral with what you have. Additional information can be provided later. The more information available at the time of referral, the better we can prepare for the child's visit.

How does the process work?

Referral
A referral to the Care Cottage is made by CHFS or Law Enforcement when a child is suspected of experiencing abuse, neglect, or other trauma that may require specialized services.

Care Cottage Schedules Services
Once a referral is received, Care Cottage staff work with the referring agency and the child’s caregivers to schedule the appropriate services in a safe, timely, and child-friendly environment.

Forensic Interview and/or Medical Exam
Depending on the child’s needs, a trained forensic interviewer may conduct a developmentally appropriate, non-leading interview. When indicated, a specially trained medical provider may also complete a forensic medical examination to assess the child’s health and document potential evidence of abuse.

Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Collaboration
The Care Cottage brings together professionals from agencies involved in the case, such as law enforcement, CHFS, prosecution, medical providers, and advocacy services. Team members share information and coordinate their efforts to reduce the number of times a child and family must repeat their experience.

Case Review
Cases are reviewed by the MDT to ensure that investigative, medical, legal, and supportive needs are being addressed and that the appropriate agencies are communicating throughout the process.

Advocacy & Additional Referrals
Care Cottage advocates help children and families navigate the process and connect them with additional resources and services when needed, including mental health counseling, victim services, medical care, and other community resources.

Understanding the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT)

When a child is referred to the Care Cottage, no single professional is responsible for handling the case alone. The Care Cottage brings together professionals from multiple disciplines to coordinate the investigation, treatment, and support of the child and family.

Who is involved

Care Cottage/Child Advocacy Center staff – Coordinate services, facilitate the forensic interview and medical evaluation, support the MDT process, and help connect families with needed resources.
Law Enforcement – Investigates the criminal allegations, gathers evidence, and works with prosecutors when appropriate.
CHFS/Cabinet for Health and Family Services – Assesses child safety, investigates allegations of abuse or neglect, and works to ensure the child's ongoing protection.
Prosecutors/Commonwealth or County Attorney – Review evidence and determine appropriate legal action and prosecution.
Medical Professionals – Evaluate and treat the child's medical needs and identify and document findings related to suspected abuse.
Mental Health Professionals – Provide trauma-focused assessment and treatment when appropriate.
Victim Advocates – Help children and caregivers understand the process, access resources, and navigate available services.
Other Professionals – Additional partners may participate when their expertise is needed for a child's specific circumstances.

How does the MDT work?

Information is shared appropriately.
Professionals involved in the case communicate relevant information with one another so that the child does not have to repeatedly tell their story and so that each agency can make informed decisions.
Case decisions are coordinated.
Each agency maintains its own responsibilities and authority, while working together to determine the appropriate next steps for the child and investigation.
Cases are reviewed together.
During MDT case review, participating professionals discuss the information available, investigative progress, the child's safety and well-being, services provided, and any additional needs or concerns.
Communication continues beyond case review.
Effective MDT collaboration does not end when a case leaves the Care Cottage. Professionals should continue communicating about significant developments, changes in safety, additional services, investigative needs, and other information that may affect the child or case.

Why communication is important

Strong communication helps protect children. When professionals share information and coordinate their efforts, the child receives a more consistent response, agencies can avoid duplicating efforts, and important needs are less likely to be overlooked.

The MDT approach keeps the child at the center of the process while allowing each professional to contribute their expertise. Regular communication and collaboration help ensure that investigative, medical, legal, and advocacy needs are addressed as effectively as possible.