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Health · Ireland
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. Tusla — Child and Family Agency (01 771 8500) is the child-protection service for Ireland: they assess, advise you about what you have seen, and act if needed; you can call anonymously. Childline (ISPCC) — 1800 66 66 66 (1800 66 66 66) is the helpline for children and young people themselves — tell the child it exists. A child in immediate danger: An Garda Síochána (garda.ie).

Call firstTusla — Child and Family Agency
Report toChildline (ISPCC) — 1800 66 66 66
If that failsAn Garda Síochána

🗣️ 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 Tusla — Child and Family AgencyFor advice first if you are unsure; they help you decide. Anonymity is possible.
  3. Danger now: An Garda SíochánaPolice 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

Tusla — Child and Family AgencyReport a concern about a child, 24/7 via Gardaí out of hoursAs soon as a child worries you📞 01 771 8500🔗 www.tusla.ie/children-first
Childline (ISPCC) — 1800 66 66 66Helpline for children and young people, 24/7For children and teenagers📞 1800 66 66 66🔗 www.childline.ie
An Garda SíochánaReport at any station or via the Garda websiteAlways — you need the PULSE reference for the bank🔗 www.garda.ie/en/crime/fraud
HSE Community Services — home support, disability servicesCare needs assessment, home support, disability servicesFor care and support📞 1800 700 700🔗 www2.hse.ie/services/home-support
Crime Victims Helpline — 116 006Free victim support, information on the process, compensation tribunalAfter any crime📞 116 006🔗 crimevictimshelpline.ie

❓ 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 Ireland”
  • “child protection helpline Ireland”
  • “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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