• Need help and want to talk to a counselor
• Are in physical or emotional crisis and need support and encouragement and to get connected to the best possible resources in your area
• Have questions about what are the signs of child abuse
• Find out where to go to report known or suspected abuse
• Understand the reporting process and what you might expect through the process
• Learn about Childhelp programs that will address you or your child’s needs
• Learn about parental rights and responsibilities including grandparent rights
• Gain emotional support if you are a survivor of abuse
• Want a referral to an agency, counseling or other services near where you live
• Also, if you want literature mailed to you the counselor will be happy to do so. (Allow two weeks for delivery via the U.S. Postal Service.)
• The Counselor will provide information to you if you want to make a donation to Childhelp

The counselor will:

• Listen to your concerns and needs
• Answer your questions
• Ask you questions to be sure he or she understands what you are saying
• Suggest things you can do to get help in the described circumstances
• Help you develop a short term plan of action – next steps to be taken
• Provide referrals utilizing a database of thousands of emergency, social service and support resources located in the United States and Canada.

If you are a child or teen who is in danger, the Hotline Counselor will help you contact someone who is safe and will help you such as Child Protective Services or the local police. If needed, the Hotline Counselor will stay on the phone as part of a three-way call to ensure your safety.

The Hotline counselor will not tape the telephone conversation or ask for your name (unless you ask to have literature mailed to you).