696-Kids / 24-Hour Kids Hotline

A program of Cuyahoga County Department Of Children And Family Services

Licensed social workers answer calls about child abuse or neglect and decide if an investigation is needed. They assess how much danger a child is in and connect families with services to help. If a child is in serious danger, they can be removed from home. Parents or caregivers who are having trouble with their child can also call to talk to someone and get referred to counseling.

Address: 3955 Euclid Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44115
Hours: Hours vary — see schedule below
Hotline hours are 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week. Office hours are M-F: 8:30am - 4:30pm, but services at other times are common. Health care unit hours are M-F: 8:00am-5:00pm. After hours, questions about health care for foster children should go to the hotline.
Who can use it: Anyone can report abuse or neglect. Children from birth to age 18 can get help. Some professionals like doctors and teachers are required by law to report. For people age 18, help is mostly for those with disabilities and is decided case by case.
Languages: English on-site. Other languages by phone.
What to expect: Call the hotline to describe what is happening. You can stay anonymous. Staff will figure out how serious the situation is and start an investigation if needed. If more help is required, your case goes to another department and a caseworker will be assigned to work with your family. If you have a problem with the hotline, call 911 in an emergency or call back later. For non-emergency complaints, call customer service and you should get an answer within 24 hours.
What to bring: Call ahead to confirm what documents you'll need to bring.

Want to be sure before you go?

Call 211 first.

Hours and stock change. A United Way 211 navigator will confirm this place is open right now and has what you need — or send you somewhere that does.

See something wrong on this listing? Report a problem and our team will review it.