The Michigan CPS phone number is 855-444-3911. It is a toll-free line staffed 24 hours a day, every day of the year, by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Anyone anywhere in the state can use it to report suspected child abuse or neglect. If a child is in immediate physical danger, call 911 first, then call the CPS hotline.1Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Abuse and Neglect
How the Statewide Intake Line Works
Michigan routes every abuse and neglect report through one number instead of through 83 separate county offices. When you call 855-444-3911, an intake specialist answers, asks a structured set of questions, and decides whether the information meets the legal threshold for a formal investigation. Keeping intake centralized keeps the screening standard the same no matter where in the state the child lives.1Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Abuse and Neglect
You do not need proof. A reasonable suspicion based on what you saw, heard, or were told is enough. Anyone can call, including children. You do not have to decide whether what you witnessed technically qualifies as abuse or neglect before dialing; that judgment is the intake specialist’s job.
What to Have Ready Before You Call
The more detail you can provide, the faster the department can respond. Try to gather:
- The child’s full name, age, and current address or location.
- Names, address, and phone numbers for the parents or guardians.
- What you observed: specific injuries, statements the child made, dates and times, and what prompted your concern.
- Helpful context: the child’s school, the parent’s workplace, other children in the household, and whether the child is in danger right now.
Partial information is still worth reporting. The intake specialist will work through the gaps with you on the call.
What Counts as Abuse or Neglect in Michigan
Under Michigan’s Child Protection Law, child abuse means harm or threatened harm to a child’s health or welfare through nonaccidental physical or mental injury, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, or maltreatment. The law reaches conduct by a parent, legal guardian, any other person responsible for the child, a teacher, a teacher’s aide, or a member of the clergy.2Michigan Legislature. Michigan Compiled Laws – Act 238 of 1975 – Child Protection Law
Neglect covers two situations. One is failing to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, or medical care. The other is placing a child at unreasonable risk by not removing a known danger when the caregiver could have. Both require that the adult knew or should have known about the problem.
If you are unsure whether what you saw crosses the line, report it and let the screener apply the definitions.
Other Ways to File a Report
Phone is the fastest route and the right choice whenever a child may be in danger now. Two other channels exist, both aimed mainly at mandated reporters.
Michigan Online Reporting System (MORS)
Mandated reporters can submit reports online through MORS, accessible via the MI Bridges portal. An online submission counts as both the oral report and the required written follow-up, so it satisfies both obligations at once. The system returns a confirmation with a case ID number.3MI Bridges. Mandated Reporters If the child may be in immediate danger, call the hotline or 911 instead of using the form.
The DHS-3200 Written Follow-Up
Mandated reporters who file by phone must follow up in writing on form DHS-3200. The form captures identifying information about the child and family, the nature of the suspected maltreatment, any evidence of prior injuries, and what prompted the report.4Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Report of Actual or Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect The completed form goes to Centralized Intake. Reporters who use MORS do not need to send a separate DHS-3200.
Who Must Report
Michigan’s Child Protection Law splits reporters into two groups. Mandated reporters face criminal penalties for staying silent. Everyone else may report voluntarily.5Michigan Legislature. Michigan Compiled Laws – Act 238 of 1975 – Child Protection Law
Mandated reporters include physicians, nurses, dentists, emergency medical personnel, teachers, school counselors and administrators, licensed child care providers, psychologists, social workers, therapists, law enforcement officers, members of the clergy, MDHHS employees, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and professional staff of friend of the court offices.6Michigan Legislature. Michigan Compiled Laws 722-623 – Child Protection Law
A mandated reporter who knowingly fails to report suspected abuse or neglect commits a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail, a fine of up to $500, or both. That person can also be held civilly liable for harm the child suffers because the report was never made.7Michigan Legislature. Michigan Compiled Laws 722-633 – Child Protection Law
Protections for People Who Report
Michigan law protects reporters who act in good faith. If you make a report, cooperate with an investigation, or otherwise assist the process, you are immune from civil and criminal liability for those actions. The law presumes good faith, so anyone challenging your motives carries the burden.8Michigan Legislature. Michigan Compiled Laws 722-625 – Child Protection Law
Your identity as a reporter is confidential. It can be disclosed only with your consent or through a court order.5Michigan Legislature. Michigan Compiled Laws – Act 238 of 1975 – Child Protection Law The protection applies to mandated reporters and members of the public alike.
Filing a false report on purpose is treated differently. An intentionally false report of conduct that would be a misdemeanor is itself a misdemeanor carrying up to 93 days in jail and a $100 fine. An intentionally false report of conduct that would be a felony is charged as a felony, with penalties up to four years in prison and a $2,000 fine.7Michigan Legislature. Michigan Compiled Laws 722-633 – Child Protection Law
What Happens After You Call
Once Centralized Intake accepts a report for investigation, the department must begin its investigation within 24 hours. For higher-priority cases involving serious physical harm, sexual abuse, or a child’s death, the window shrinks to 12 hours. Reports involving sexual abuse or a fatality are also referred to the local prosecuting attorney and law enforcement within 24 hours for possible criminal investigation alongside the CPS case.9Michigan Legislature. Michigan Compiled Laws 722-628 – Child Protection Law
Every completed investigation ends with one of five disposition categories. Category I is the most serious: evidence of abuse or neglect plus a condition such as the need for a court petition to remove the child, and it can lead to removal from the home. Category II means evidence of abuse or neglect with a high or intensive risk of future harm; the department opens a protective services case and provides services while the child stays home. Category III means evidence exists but the risk is low or moderate, and the family is connected to voluntary community services. Category IV means no preponderance of evidence but the department still recommends community services. Category V means no evidence and no services needed, or the family could not be located.
Do Not Call Your Local County Office to Report
Local MDHHS offices handle ongoing case management, not new reports. If you already have an open case and need to reach an assigned caseworker or ask about court-ordered services, county offices are the right contact and can be found through michigan.gov/mdhhs.10Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services For a new report of suspected abuse or neglect, always use 855-444-3911. Local offices are not set up to screen incoming reports, and calling one instead of the hotline can delay the response.