Child at risk — CPCJ · Portugal

Direct answer

You do not need proof — a worry is enough, and you will not be blamed if it turns out to be nothing. CPCJ — Comissão de Proteção de Crianças e Jovens (961 231 111) is the child-protection service for Portugal: they assess, advise you about what you have seen, and act if needed; you can call anonymously. SOS Criança — 116 111 (116 111) is the helpline for children and young people themselves — tell the child it exists. A child in immediate danger: Queixa Eletrónica — PSP / GNR (queixaselectronicas.mai.gov.pt).

Call firstCPCJ — Comissão de Proteção de Crianças e Jovens

Report toSOS Criança — 116 111

If that failsQueixa Eletrónica — PSP / GNR

🗣️ 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

Write down what you sawFacts, dates, the child's own words if any. Do not interrogate the child.
Call CPCJ — Comissão de Proteção de Crianças e JovensFor advice first if you are unsure; they help you decide. Anonymity is possible.
Danger now: Queixa Eletrónica — PSP / GNRPolice and emergency services. Do not wait for the service's office hours.
Professionals: your dutyTeachers, doctors and carers have a legal duty or a protocol to report. Use it.
Keep the child in viewA trusted adult who keeps noticing is the best protection until the service acts.

📇 All contacts

CPCJ — Comissão de Proteção de Crianças e JovensReports of children at riskAs soon as a child worries you📞 961 231 111 🔗 www.cnpdpcj.gov.pt

SOS Criança — 116 111Helpline for children and young peopleFor children and teenagers📞 116 111 🔗 iacrianca.pt

Queixa Eletrónica — PSP / GNROnline criminal complaint, case number immediatelyAlways — the basis for bank, insurer and platform🔗 queixaselectronicas.mai.gov.pt

Segurança Social — ação social / Balcão da InclusãoSocial support, dependency, disabilityFor care and support📞 300 502 502 🔗 www.seg-social.pt

APAV — Associação Portuguesa de Apoio à VítimaFree victim support, accompaniment, compensationAfter any crime📞 116 006 🔗 apav.pt

❓ 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

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