How to make a child abuse report

Reporting abuse is one of the most important steps you can take to protect children. If you believe a child is being abused, neglected or is dependent, you should call the Child Protection Hot Line number below, Centralized Intake in Northern Kentucky or your local police department.

Protection Hot Line: 1.800.752.6200

Northern Kentucky Centralized Intake: 859.292.6550
If you think a child is in immediate danger, call 911.

How can I find out about sex offenders in my area?
Sex offenders are required to register with law enforcement when they move or after their release from prison/jail. A list of sex offenders registered in Kentucky can be accessed via the internet at http://www.kentuckystatepolice.org/sor.htm. This information can also be obtained by calling toll free 1.866.564.5652. At this number, an individual can register up to three zip codes to monitor and a phone number. When a registered sex offender moves into and/or within the three zip code area, the Kentucky State Police will notify the number provided.

Although the registration, phone notification, and website system is helpful, it is not 100% accurate. Even though there is a punishment if a convicted sex offender does not register, some offenders do not register. Also, some offenders "plead" their cases and therefore may not have to register, if their plea agreement does not include a registerable offense. Persons convicted of sex crimes before July 15, 1994 are not required to register for those crimes. Offenders who are not reported, charged and convicted are not required to register.

Crime Victim Bill of Rights: Each year, the Office of the Attorney General publishes a Kentucky Crime Victims Bill of Rights Handbook. The complete version can be found online through the Kentucky Attorney General's website at http://ag.ky.gov/victims/. The handbook outlines Kentucky laws that protect the rights of victims of crime, including children who have been sexually abused. Victims have a right to be free from harassment, intimidation, bribery, retaliation, and/or tampering by any parties involved in the case or crimes committed. If any of these actions occur, the victim or a representative should contact law enforcement immediately.

Kentucky law (KRS 421.500) establishes that victims of sexual crimes have the right to:

1. Be treated fairly and with respect;
2. Be provided with information about available services including medical, protective, emergency social, community resources, Crime Victim Compensation, and the criminal justice process;
3. Have access to a legal advocate;
4. Know that he/she is protected from harassment and intimidation;
5. Be told about the arrest, court appearance, and any other important events surrounding the abuser;
6. Know about registering with the VINE system;
7. Be told about the status of the case;
8. Be notified about parole board hearings or release; have the opportunity to speak to the parole board via victim impact statements;
9. Be accompanied and represented by a special court appointed advocate (if victim is a minor); and
10. A speedy trial.

Crime Victim Compensation: An innocent person who is the victim of a crime may apply for compensation from the Crime Victim's Compensation Board (CVC). Compensation can include lost earnings, medical treatment for physical and/or psychological injury, or funeral expenses resulting from the crime. Application forms can be obtained from law enforcement, victim advocates, hospitals, online at www.cvcb.ky.gov, or by contacting the Crime Victims Compensation Board at 502.573.2290. In order to apply, the victim must:

• Have reported the crime to the police within 48 hours of knowledge of the crime
• Be experiencing financial hardship as defined by the Crime Victim's Compensation Board
• Apply within 5 years of the report of the crime.

If you have any questions, visit the website or contact the CVC Board.

VINE: Victim Information Notification Everyday (V.I.N.E.) is a national automated system designed to keep victims of crime informed about a criminal who is in police custody. This telephone and internet driven system notifies enrolled victims about changes in the prisoner's status including arrest status, transfers and/or location of incarceration and limited court information. This information can help the victim and his/her family to make plans for safety in the event of an abuser's release. This system is free and confidential and only requires a phone call. To sign up for the V.I.N.E. program in Kentucky, have the offender's inmate number or full name, a safe telephone number to receive notification, and four-digit PIN number to use for the system. Then call the toll free number, 1.800.511.1670, and follow the telephone prompts to register. You can also register and access information on-line at http://www.vinelink.com/index.jsp. This information is available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

Department of Justice Victim Notification System: Upon the opening of a federal investigation, victims of federal crimes are registered with the Department of Justice Victim Notification System (VNS).