TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Azya Thornton on Dec 16, 2024

The Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS) has announced a change to the Tennessee Child Abuse Hotline. During designated weekend hours — Fridays at 11 p.m. CST through Sundays at 11 p.m. CST — the hotline will transition to an online-only reporting system for the public. The pilot program aims to increase the efficiency of the hotline and reduce long wait times for callers, according to a press release. Callers wishing to report child abuse or neglect during weekend hours will hear a recorded message prompting them to submit information through DCS’s secure online referral portal. The hotline will remain staffed during weekend hours, and online reports will continue to be reviewed in real-time. The change only affects the hotline’s public line. The dedicated line for law enforcement and medical personnel will remain available during weekend hours.