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Here are a few ideas to get you started

Report Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect:  If you suspect a child is being physically, sexually, or emotionally abused, or is in danger of being abused, call the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline which is staffed by child protective staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The toll free number is 1-800-842-2288. Also, see the child abuse and neglect definitions that are part of this website.

Adopt a Child: Adoptive parents are needed for children of all ages who have experienced physical, emotional, behavioral or learning challenges in their lives. For information, please call 1-888-KID HERO.  Also, please see the DCF Adoption Photo Listing

An Open Heart … A Loving Home: Foster parents are needed to provide temporary, nurturing care for abused or neglected children all over the state. Foster parents receive training, support and financial assistance. A foster parent can be married, single or divorced. They can rent or own their own home, and can work outside the home if they can provide appropriate child care during their absence. For information, please call 1-888-KID HERO, or visit our Care for a Child site for more information.

Be a Mentor:  Help a teen learn to live on his or her own. By spending a few hours a week with a young person, you can help him or her with finding an apartment, getting a job, budgeting or linking him/her up with community services. But mostly, you can give personal support and guidance. Click here for more information about Mentoring.

Volunteer at Facilities for Children:  To help children who have mental health needs, please call Riverview Hospital in Middletown at (860) 704-4091. To help children with emotional problems, please call the Connecticut Children's Place at (860) 292-4000.

Covenant to Care:  Help provide goods and services for abused, neglected and at-risk children and their families through your religious community. For more information, please call (860) 243-1806, or visit their website at Covenant To Care. (external link)

Children in Placement:  Be an advocate for children in foster care during the judicial process. Please call (203) 784-0344, or visit their website at Children in Placement. (external link)

Children's Trust Fund:  Make a contribution to support child abuse prevention.  Please visit the Children's Trust Fund site for more information. (external link)

Youth Service Bureaus:  You can support your local youth service bureau by serving on an advisory board or fund-raising committee, or volunteering in some other capacity.  Please visit the Youth Services Association to find a youth service bureau in your area. (external link)