<Back to Resource Guide

If you have reason to suspect abuse, call the national ChildHelp Abuse Hotline
1-800-422-4453

• Try to get more information from youth about your concerns, but do not ask questions that may lead them to a specific answer.

• Ask about or try to find out what they need from you.

• Let them know you are there for them and your priority is keeping them safe.

• Make sure their immediate safety and basic needs are met to whatever degree possible.

• Make sure they know who they can call or what they can do if they are in an unsafe situation.

• There are several different ways to seek counseling or treatment. This includes a private therapist, a school counselor, mental health center services, and/or substance abuse treatment. Private therapists can be a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC), or a psychologist. This is usually covered by insurance and occurs weekly or every other week. Most therapists will individualize treatment and may offer more frequent sessions if needed.

• Youth may also be able to receive counseling at school. This may be in the form of a school counselor who is accessible to all youth. The school counselor can give you more information about services available in the school.

• Youth in crisis may need more intensive support than outpatient therapy or school counseling.

• If you have reason to suspect abuse, call the national ChildHelp Abuse Hotline 1-800-422-4453

• If you have reason to suspect child abuse or neglect, call the Child Abuse Hotline, or visit the State of Wisconsin Child Protective Services website by clicking here. Be prepared to give them your name, phone number, relationship to the family, and the reason for your call. They will also ask for the youth’s name and date of birth, parent’s name, address, phone number, other adults and children in the home, and any known mental health issues.

You can also reach out to:

• Vilas County Children and Family Services:

  Vilas County Courthouse

  330 Court Street

  Eagle River, WI 54521

  (715) 479.3668

• Oneida County Social Services

  1 South Oneida Avenue

  PO Box 400

  Rhinelander, WI 54501

  (715) 362.5695
   

• If you have a relationship with the parent, it is preferable to inform them of the report and if possible include them in the call. They may give first-hand information that can help Child and Family Services provide the right kind of intervention.

• You would not want to inform the parent if doing so increases the risk of abuse or retaliation on the child. Your information will not be disclosed to the family as the person who reported. You may also ask the intake worker how they are prioritizing the call so that you know how quickly the local worker will follow up.

• There are times when getting some space can stabilize a crisis. If there is a safe friend or family member in the picture, it may help for the youth to stay with them for a few nights, or until a plan can be made.

If you would like assistance getting help for yourself or you would like to refer your child, student or friend for professional services, click the button below.

All information shared is confidential and will only be used to help the person you care about, get the help they need.