Medical child protection hotline

Child protection, medicine, hotline, help telephone, child abuse

Prof Dr Michael Kölch

Clinic for Psychiatry, Neurology, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy in Childhood and Adolescence

Rostock University Medical Centre

PD. Dr Arpad von Moers

Clinic for Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine

DRK Clinics Berlin | Westend

01.10.2016 - 31.12.2024

Telephone number: 0800 - 19 210 00) is a nationwide, free, 24-hour telephone counselling service funded by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ) for professionals from the health sector, child and youth welfare services and family courts in cases of suspected child abuse, neglect and sexual child abuse. The project is managed by Prof Jörg M. Fegert from the Ulm Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy.

A team of medical professionals specially trained in child protection advises on questions relating to

• Medical questions in connection with child endangerment
• Medical contacts for appropriate diagnostics and therapy
• What can certain healthcare facilities provide / take over in a specific case?
• What is the current state of medical knowledge on various aspects of maltreatment / neglect / sexual abuse?
• What medical procedure is necessary, sensible or possible in a specific case?

Counselling is anonymous and responsibility for the case always remains with the local caller.

The project is funded until the end of 2024. The aim is to stabilise the service. The service is accepted and used by the target groups. In addition, further training needs were identified on the basis of the enquiries and working materials were developed and made available.

Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ)