Anyone 18 years or older is a Mandated Reporter. 

The Louisiana Children’s Code (Article 610) specifies that mandated reporters shall make reports immediately upon learning of incidents of child abuse or neglect.  
 

BEFORE making the report:

Information you should have about the victim:

Information you should have about the abuser

• Name
• Telephone
• Address

LA Dept. of Children & Family Services

(1-855-452-5437)
1-855-4LA-KIDS

Local Police or Sheriff’s Department

In response to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Diocese of Houma‐Thibodaux, The Outreach Line, and the Victim Assistance Coordinator is an effort to continue the diocesan commitment to support healing for people who have been hurt or sexually abused recently or in the past by Church Personnel representing the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Outreach line

(985) 873-0026 

(985) 850-3172

If the child fears going home or you feel there is clear and imminent danger, DO NOT contact the child’s family. Contact law enforcement. 

Mishandling of Allegations of Sexual Abuse by a Bishop

To report an allegation of abuse or mishandling of allegations of sexual abuse by a bishop please visit the Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting Service website.

The National Trafficking Hotline

(1-888-873-7888)

Anti-trafficking Hotline Advocates are available 24/7 to take reports of potential human trafficking.

TEXT the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 233733
CHAT Hotline with the National Human Trafficking
SEE Something. 
SAY something through an anonymous reporting form
 

The National Center of Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC)

or CyberTipLine

• Report incidents of abuse, neglect, and exploitation involving adults 60 and older to Elderly Protective Services at 1-833-577-6532 or 225-342-0144.
• Reports of adult abuse (under 60) may be made 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to 1.800.898.4910(toll-free).
• If you witness a life-threatening situation involving an adult with disabilities, immediately call 911.

• After contacting the legal authorities, your next step is to make a verbal report to the ministry leader in your location. Tell your supervisor what you saw and/or heard and that you have already reported it to the Louisiana Department of Health – Adult Protective Services.
• Make a written report to document what you saw and/or heard. This report should include the following:
• Date and time of the incident
• Your name, age, address, and phone number
• Names of the persons involved
• Reason for the referral

• If the abuse was caused by someone representing the Diocese, the diocesan policy also requires that you contact the Victim’s Assistance Coordinator. They will guide you through any additional steps that need to be taken.