LA County Launches 211 Hotline to Report Child Sexual Abuse by Workforce
New hotline is part of a series of reforms to protect children in County care
As part of a series of reforms following the settlement of thousands of childhood sexual abuse claims under AB 218, LA County today announced that 211 operators are now available 24/7 to take reports of known or suspected child sexual abuse committed by County employees, contractors or volunteers.
The County recently launched this centralized, independent reporting platform as part of its detailed corrective action plans aimed at preventing abuse. It is urging victims, families and witnesses to abuse or suspected abuse to call 211 or make a report online at 211la.org/report-childsexualabuse. Reports will be automatically flagged for a senior County team charged with assessing claims and expediting investigations.
“Our new 211 hotline is a critical tool to help us identify, intervene, and take swift action against anyone who would harm the children they are entrusted to protect,” said Board of Supervisors Chair Hilda L. Solis. “As the safety net for our most vulnerable, every County employee, contractor, and volunteer has a responsibility to do right by our youth. We will work diligently to raise awareness of 211 as a safe and trusted place to report abuse—especially for youth in the County’s care—because broad awareness is essential to ensuring the effectiveness of this new reporting tool.”
“This new resource is an essential part of a much broader plan to ensure that abuse does not go unreported or unpunished,” said Acting Chief Executive Officer Joe Nicchitta. “The County is committed to enforcing its Zero Tolerance policy.”
The 211 LA hotline and website reporting tools are not intended to replace the Child Protection Hotline and should NOT be used to report child abuse or neglect committed by a child’s family member or guardian. 211 is for reporting the actions of County workforce members including employees, contractors and volunteers.
“At 211 LA, our commitment has always been to be there for people when they need support the most. We know how difficult it can be for a child or family member to come forward and report abuse. It takes courage, and no one should have to face that alone,” said 211 LA Executive Director Maribel Marin. “We are grateful to partner with Los Angeles County on this effort, and we want the community to know that 211 LA is a safe and confidential place to reach out for help. We are here to guide you toward safety, healing and the support and resources you need.”
The hotline is just one of several reforms the County has undertaken even before the recent AB 218 settlements of child sexual abuse claims. Other steps being taken include:
- An enhanced countywide Zero Tolerance policy to ensure the County takes immediate action to the fullest extent of the law when allegations of child sexual abuse are substantiated;
- Mandatory countywide training to identify and prevent childhood sexual abuse; and
- Planned reform of Civil Service Rules related to egregious conduct.
- More information about reforms made by individual departments can be found here: AB 218 LA County Summary of Reforms
Contact: Countywide Communications, pio@ceo.lacounty.gov