BISMARCK — The North Dakota Department of Human Services and the state’s 19 human service zones announced the launch of a statewide toll-free child abuse and neglect reporting line that is part of a new child protection services (CPS) intake process.
Starting Jan. 4., individuals who suspect a child is being abused or neglected in North Dakota should call 833-958-3500, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central time to make a report. If a child is in immediate danger, people should call 9-1-1.
The department’s Chief Operating Officer Sara Stolt discussed a new statewide centralized intake unit that will be staffed by a team of 12 specialized CPS intake workers. The workers will ask questions, gather facts and work with supervisors to triage reports, while according to Stolt, completing intake referral to local CPS professionals.
This will allow local CPS professionals to act more quickly to protect children while devoting more time to strengthening and supporting families while they are still together, which will help children remain safe in their family homes, according to Stolt.
Information about North Dakota’s child protection program is online at www.nd.gov/dhs/services/childfamily/cps .
