COLUMBUS, OH (FOX19) -
Ohioans who suspect child abuse or neglect now only need to
remember one phone number.
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
(ODJFS) has launched 855-O-H-CHILD (855-642-4453) an automated telephone
directory that will link callers directly to a child welfare or law enforcement
office in their county. Reports can be anonymous.
"It is important that Ohioans be able to
report suspected child abuse quickly, easily and anonymously. This one,
easy-to-remember number makes that possible," said ODJFS Director Michael
Colbert. "We never want a child to be at risk because an adult did not know
where to turn for help."
After successfully introducing the
telephone directory in Northwest Ohio in September, ODJFS has now unveiled the
telephone number in all 88 counties.
Ohio's 88 county public children services
agencies are charged with investigating reports of child abuse. The
855-O-H-CHILD Automated Child Abuse and Neglect Directory will complement
existing county phone numbers by providing one statewide number that
automatically redirects callers to the appropriate county.
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