Cibola County Safehouse

Through teamwork, we will promote child safety and healing by expeditiously investigating all crimes against children to create a stronger and safer community.  

[ login ]
home | services | FAQs | Child Abuse in NM | Report Suspected Abuse | volunteer with us | training | Prevention | COMMUNITY PARTNERS     

                               

Child Abuse Hotline: 

  • If you suspect a child is in immediate danger contact law enforcement as soon as possible.

  • If you suspect child abuse, call law enforcement as soon as possible.

  • If a child tells you they are being abused, do not question the child about the details, leave this to the professionals.  Call law enforcement as soon as possible.  Tell the child, "I am so proud of you that you told me!"  Try to stay calm in front of the child; if you show anger or distress, the child may feel that s/he did something wrong by telling (shouln't have told.)  

  • In New Mexico the Protective Services Statewide Central Intake (SCI) number is 800.797.3260

  • To get help in the U.S., call:
    1-800-4-A-CHILD(1-800-422-4453) – Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline

Myths and Facts of Making a Report

    • I don’t want to interfere in some one else’s family. The most important thing is keeping our children safe.  It is important to the child's mental health to know that someone is willing to protect them.  Help break the cycle of child abuse.
    • What if I break up someone’s home? The priority of child protective services is keeping families together.  A child abuse report does not mean a child is automatically removed from the home - unless the child is clearly in danger. If a child is removed, every effort is made to place the child with extended family.  Reunification after therapy/counseling is usually the goal.
    • They will know I was the one who called. Reporting is anonymous. 
    • I just "feel" that something is wrong, I don't have proof.  Trust that feeling!  If you have a gut feeling that something is wrong, it is better to be safe than sorry. Let the professionals investigate.  
    • In New Mexico, we have a mandatory reporting law.  If you suspect a child is being abused or was abused at some time, then you are required BY LAW to report it.  It is a crime to not report suspected child abuse. 

    • YOU COULD SAVE A CHILD'S LIFE!

    YOU COULD SAVE A CHILD'S LIFE!
YOU COULD SAVE A CHILD'S LIFE!