Child Protective Services can take action to protect children ONLY if mandated reporters call the Hotline. We recognize that the system can be complicated for mandated reporters and want to help you develop your skills in recognizing and reporting cases in which there is a reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect. If you are not sure about whether the situation you have in mind meets the five criteria or how to call in a report —you can call the Child Abuse Hotline for a consultation.