If someone may be monitoring your device, use a safer phone or computer before contacting services, changing access, or saving information.
Resource topic

Children and Custody

Choose the child-related issue that needs attention. Keep children informed without making them responsible for adult safety.

Estimated time: 5–15 minutesUpdated July 2026Print-friendly
Choose what fits
Keep the focus on the child or dependent person

Record direct observations, exact statements, dates, behavior changes, school or medical impacts, disability and communication needs, and immediate safety concerns. Avoid asking leading questions or requiring a child to repeat details unnecessarily.

01

School pickup or access is unsafe

Update authorized contacts and provide relevant orders or safety instructions.

Name the immediate outcome you need

Update authorized contacts and provide relevant orders or safety instructions.

Write down one constraint

Safety, privacy, money, transportation, children, pets, identity, immigration, disability, or timing.

Use one primary resource first

You do not need to contact every organization on this page.

02

A child disclosed harm

Use calm, non-leading responses and contact appropriate professional support.

Name the immediate outcome you need

Use calm, non-leading responses and contact appropriate professional support.

Write down one constraint

Safety, privacy, money, transportation, children, pets, identity, immigration, disability, or timing.

Use one primary resource first

You do not need to contact every organization on this page.

03

Custody exchanges are unsafe

Document location, witnesses, communication, and order terms.

Name the immediate outcome you need

Document location, witnesses, communication, and order terms.

Write down one constraint

Safety, privacy, money, transportation, children, pets, identity, immigration, disability, or timing.

Use one primary resource first

You do not need to contact every organization on this page.

05

A child needs medical or therapeutic support

Ask about privacy, consent, records, and trauma-informed providers.

Name the immediate outcome you need

Ask about privacy, consent, records, and trauma-informed providers.

Write down one constraint

Safety, privacy, money, transportation, children, pets, identity, immigration, disability, or timing.

Use one primary resource first

You do not need to contact every organization on this page.

06

Devices or family accounts expose location

Review school portals, family sharing, games, photos, and guardian access.

Name the immediate outcome you need

Review school portals, family sharing, games, photos, and guardian access.

Write down one constraint

Safety, privacy, money, transportation, children, pets, identity, immigration, disability, or timing.

Use one primary resource first

You do not need to contact every organization on this page.

Curated starting points

A short list, with a reason for each

Availability, eligibility, hours, and response quality can change. Confirm details directly with the organization.

External resource

Childhelp

Support and referrals related to child abuse and child safety.

Phone1-800-422-4453
External resource

National Children’s Alliance

Directory and information on child advocacy centers.

External resource

WomensLaw

Custody, protection order, and family-law information.

External resource

Colorado Legal Services

Civil legal help for eligible Colorado residents.

Resource review note. Survivor Truth Foundation curates these starting points but does not control external eligibility, availability, confidentiality, cost, or response quality. Last reviewed July 2026. Report a broken or harmful resource through the anonymous question page.
Before you contact a service

Help them understand what you need quickly

Lead with the clearest facts first

Your emotions matter, and you do not need to hide them. When time is limited, beginning with observable facts can help a hotline, hospital, shelter, attorney, school, or agency understand urgency and route you to the right care faster.

  • What happened and when
  • Whether the person can reach you now
  • Any injuries, threats, weapons, stalking, or forced contact
  • Children, dependents, pets, or service animals affected
  • Disability, communication, medication, mobility, or sensory needs
  • Housing, money, transportation, phone, or identification barriers
  • Your name and pronouns, if you want them used
  • The specific help you are asking for today
You do not have to simplify your life to deserve help

A useful plan can include chosen family, LGBTQ+ safety concerns, older adults, disability-related care, immigration concerns, emotional or psychological abuse, financial control, children, pets, and service animals. Name the barriers that affect what is safe and possible for you.