Child Protection Unit

Florida law requires any person who knows, or has reasonable cause to suspect, that a child is abused, abandoned, or neglected or that a child is in need of supervision and care and has no parent, legal custodian, or responsible adult relative known and available to provide care to report their knowledge or suspicion to the Florida Abuse Hotline.

How Do I Report Suspected Child Abuse, Neglect or Abandonment?

What Happens After I Report Suspected Child Abuse, Neglect or Abandonment?

Child abuse, neglect or abandonment cases are referred to The Walton County Sheriff’s Office Child Protection Investigations Unit by the Florida Abuse Hotline. When a report of suspected child abuse, neglect or abandonment is received by the Walton County Sheriff’s Office Child Protection Investigations Unit, CPI investigators team up with local law enforcement to investigate the concern. Child Protection Investigators focus on the child safety issues while law enforcement officers investigate the criminal aspect of the case.

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office Child Protection Investigations unit works with multiple local agencies to provide care and support for children who have been abused, abandoned or neglected.

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for all county child protection investigations.

Who Do I Contact to Get Information About a Current Child Abuse, Neglect or Abandonment Case?

If you have questions about a current child abuse, neglect or abandonment case, you can contact the Child Protection Investigations Unit at (850) 307-5139.

You must call the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE to report suspected child abuse, abandonment or neglect.