Office of Children's Services centralized

ANCHORAGE — The Office of Children’s Services has made it easier to report cases of suspected child abuse. Alaskans who know of a child that may be at risk of abuse or neglect can now call 1-800-478-4444 or email reportchildabuse@alaska.gov.

“The number-one priority at the Office of Children’s Services is to ensure the safety and well-being of Alaskan children,” said OCS Director Christy Lawton. “We rely on Alaskans to call and report children at risk of maltreatment. We are now offering an easier way for citizens to help us protect Alaskan children.”

In the past 12 months, OCS received 18,599 reports of child abuse. Every report is screened by the division for additional action. Further investigation resulted in 8,200 of those children and families identified for assessments by OCS.

The division has also expanded its intake office hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., allowing Alaskans to report suspected child abuse outside regular business hours. The division will continue to expand its intake office hours in the future to increase accessibility.