The National Hotline for Child Abuse was established to provide service beyond office hours to children who may be at risk for abuse, abandonment or neglect.  Persons wishing to report cases of actual or suspected child abuse can call this 24 hour hotline: (242) 322-2763.

The reporter should have knowledge of what occurred to constitute the abuse; information on the victim he/she is making the report on i.e. name, age, date of birth, parents/guardian's name, age, address,      telephone ,school or some identifying information which will enable the Child Protection Unit to be able to contact and/or remove the child if necessary.

Emergency cases are dealt with immediately by the relevant agencies (e.g. Police). Other cases are referred to the relevant agencies for further intervention (e.g. Department of Social Services). Once an investigation begins, the victim and parent/guardian are required to visit the Department of Social Services, Child Protection Unit and a home investigation will follow.

The National Child Abuse Hotline (242) 322 – 2763 is available 24hours daily including weekends and holidays.

Persons from the Family Islands wishing to access this service can dial (242) 322-2763.  Once the report is received, it will be forwarded to the Family Islands Division of the Department of Social Services for intervention by the relevant Family Islands office.

For More Information, please contact the following:

Child Protection Unit
Alexander House
Robinson Road
Nassau
New Providence
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 397-2550
Opening Hours - 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. , Monday - Friday

Department of Social services
Clarence Bain Building
Thompson Boulevard
Nassau
New Providence
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 326-0526, 326-0451
Opening Hours - 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. , Monday - Friday

School Welfare Division
Alexander House
Robinson Road
Nassau
New Providence
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 397-2524
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Opening Hours - 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday