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Health · Switzerland
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. KESB — Kindes- und Erwachsenenschutzbehörde (kokes.ch) is the child-protection service for Switzerland: they assess, advise you about what you have seen, and act if needed; you can call anonymously. Pro Juventute 147 (147) is the helpline for children and young people themselves — tell the child it exists. A child in immediate danger: Kantonspolizei — Suisse ePolice (suisse-epolice.ch).

Call firstKESB — Kindes- und Erwachsenenschutzbehörde
Report toPro Juventute 147
If that failsKantonspolizei — Suisse ePolice

🗣️ 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 KESB — Kindes- und ErwachsenenschutzbehördeFor advice first if you are unsure; they help you decide. Anonymity is possible.
  3. Danger now: Kantonspolizei — Suisse ePolicePolice 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

KESB — Kindes- und ErwachsenenschutzbehördeReports of children at risk, child protectionWhen worried about a child🔗 www.kokes.ch
Pro Juventute 147Helpline for children and teenagers, 24/7For children and teenagers📞 147🔗 www.147.ch
Kantonspolizei — Suisse ePoliceReport online or at the stationAlways; you need the reference for the bank🔗 www.suisse-epolice.ch
Sozialdienst der Gemeinde / Pro Senectute / Pro InfirmisSocial assistance, care, disability supportFor care and support benefits🔗 www.proinfirmis.ch
Opferhilfe Schweiz (kantonale Beratungsstellen)Statutory victim support: advice, emergency help, compensationAfter any crime🔗 www.opferhilfe-schweiz.ch

❓ 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 Switzerland”
  • “child protection helpline Switzerland”
  • “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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