Ind. Law Requires Citizens To Report Child Abuse

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - In the wake of the scandal at Penn State University, the Indiana Department of Child Services is reminding Hoosiers that it is Indiana law to report child abuse.

 

IDCS Director James Payne sent out an opinion piece to news outlets Monday stating anyone who knows or suspects a child is being abused or neglected has a legal duty to report it to the department or law enforcement.

 

“It is not enough to tell someone about a suspicion, belief or knowledge,” Payne’s letter said. “Even though DCS receives approximately 150,000 hotline calls a year, our staff would rather receive multiple reports by different individuals about the same incident or allegation than to receive no report at all.”

 

Abuse can be reported by calling the Indian Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-800-5556.

More from Local News

Events

Rising Sun Grads Awarded Scholarships from OCCF

The scholarships went to students that are currently continuing their education.

SEIWIB Receives Grant to Prepare Youth for Careers in Building Trades

Nearly $1.3 million will provide opportunities for over 70 underserved young adults in southeast Indiana.

Indiana DNR: Free Hunting and Fishing Opportunities Coming Up

Free Youth Hunting Days are less than a week away, while the final Free Fishing Day comes later this month.

Local Sports Report - August 28-29, 2026

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

Local Sports Report - August 27, 2026

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

ORVC Names Top Performers for August 3-22

South Ripley's Claire Samples was among seven that were recognized with weekly honors.

On Air

Luke Bryan Rain Is A Good Thing 20:43
Keith Whitley I'm Over You 20:39
Little Big Town Hell Yeah 20:36
Dolly Parton Jolene 20:33