MA Child Abuse Emergency Line
(800) 792-5200
A statewide, after-hours emergency response system that ensures the safety of children across the Commonwealth. Operated by The Baker Center for the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF), we partner with DCF and Emergency Response Workers after-hours.
Operates 365 Days / Year
Taking Calls 5pm-9am
Available Weekends & Holidays
When DCF area offices are closed
Emergency Line Teams
Direct Your Call To The Right Team
The Emergency Line is organized into three teams. When you call, our operators can help direct your call by pressing 0, or you can direct your call to the appropriate team as follows.
Child Abuse & Neglect
Screens reports of suspected child abuse or neglect taken from mandated reporters and other callers. (Press 1)
Missing Or Absent Child
Takes calls from foster families, DCF-contracted residential facilities, and others who need to report that a child in DCF custody is missing or absent. Emergency Line staff coordinate with law enforcement and others to return children to their placements when found. (Press 2)
Support Team
Provides after-hour support to DCF staff in securing after-hour placements and coordinating Alerts from DCF pertaining to situations that crossover from daytime to after-hours. (Limited to DCF staff)