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Health · Italy
Updated September 2026

🧒 I am worried a child is being abused or neglected — who do I tell?

Direct answer

You do not need proof — a worry is enough, and you will not be blamed if it turns out to be nothing. Servizi sociali / Tribunale per i minorenni — segnalazione (garanteinfanzia.org) is the child-protection service for Italy: they assess, advise you about what you have seen, and act if needed; you can call anonymously. Telefono Azzurro 19696 / 114 Emergenza Infanzia (19696) is the helpline for children and young people themselves — tell the child it exists. A child in immediate danger: Polizia di Stato / Carabinieri — denuncia (112) (112).

Call firstServizi sociali / Tribunale per i minorenni — segnalazione
Report toTelefono Azzurro 19696 / 114 Emergenza Infanzia
If that failsPolizia di Stato / Carabinieri — denuncia (112)

🗣️ What to say

"I am worried about a child, [name/age if known], at [address / school]. I have noticed [what: injuries, statements, being left alone, hunger, fear] on [dates]. I am [neighbour / teacher / relative]. I would like advice on what to do / to report this."

🪜 Step by step

  1. Write down what you sawFacts, dates, the child's own words if any. Do not interrogate the child.
  2. Call Servizi sociali / Tribunale per i minorenni — segnalazioneFor advice first if you are unsure; they help you decide. Anonymity is possible.
  3. Danger now: Polizia di Stato / Carabinieri — denuncia (112)Police and emergency services. Do not wait for the service's office hours.
  4. Professionals: your dutyTeachers, doctors and carers have a legal duty or a protocol to report. Use it.
  5. Keep the child in viewA trusted adult who keeps noticing is the best protection until the service acts.

📇 All contacts

Servizi sociali / Tribunale per i minorenni — segnalazioneReports of children at riskAs soon as a child worries you🔗 www.garanteinfanzia.org
Telefono Azzurro 19696 / 114 Emergenza InfanziaHelpline for children and teenagers, emergenciesFor children and teenagers📞 19696🔗 www.azzurro.it
Polizia di Stato / Carabinieri — denuncia (112)Report at any police stationTheft, robbery, threats, stalking📞 112🔗 www.poliziadistato.it
Servizi sociali del Comune / INPS invaliditàAssistance, civil disability, care allowanceFor care and support🔗 www.inps.it
Rete Dafne / Sportelli per le vittime di reatoVictim support, freeAfter any crime🔗 www.retedafne.it

❓ Frequently asked

Will the child be taken away?

Removal is the last resort; the first response is support for the family. Reporting is the start of help, not of separation.

What if I am wrong?

Reports in good faith carry no liability. Services expect and prefer early, uncertain reports.

The child told me something in confidence

You can promise to help, not to keep it secret. Explain that you have to tell someone whose job it is to keep them safe.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “report child abuse Italy”
  • “child protection helpline Italy”
  • “worried about a child who to call”
  • “child neglect report anonymous”
  • “child helpline number”

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

🆘Domestic violence→🏥Medical complaint→👨‍⚕️Find a doctor→♿Care support refused→

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