North Carolina State Laws mandates that any person who has cause to suspect that a child is being abused or neglected is required by law to report the situation to the local Department of Social Services in the county in which the child lives or is found. In addition, North Carolina has a law that can penalize professionals who do not report. North Carolina also provides immunity from civil liability and criminal penalty for mandated reporters who report in good faith.

Call 911 immediately if the child is in danger.

Step 1 – Where to Make a Report of Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect

Contact the Macon County Department of Social Services at 828-349-2124. Ask for the Child Protective Services intake worker. If after hours, call 911 and ask for the social worker on call.

Graham County Child Abuse Report: 828-479-7911 / Emergency Phone: 828-479-3352

National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453

Step 2 – How to Make a Report of Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect

The report can be made in person, by the telephone, or in writing, and can be anonymous. You should give the intake worker your name, address and telephone number. This will help the investigation of the alleged abuse. Your identifying information is confidential; DSS will not reveal it unless ordered to do so by the court.

Step 3 – What Your Report Should Include

• - The name and address of the parents or caregivers

• - The name and age of the child

• - The present whereabouts of the child if not at the home address

• - The nature and extent of the injury or condition resulting from the abuse or neglect

• - Any other information that you believe might be helpful in establishing the need for intervention