Electronic Suspected Child Abse Reports Unit

ESCARS is a web-based information sharing application that facilitates the rapid and secure transmission and receipt of Suspected Child Abuse Reports (SCARs) between social workers, law enforcement, and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office (LADA). ESCARS links all 46 law enforcement agencies throughout Los Angeles County, as well as the Medical Examiner’s Office, the LADA, the LA City Attorney, and the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). ESCARS enables agencies to share SCARs as well as review historical information. Not only does this information sharing application significantly reduce time delays that were inherent in the previous methods of transmission, but it also tracks what action was taken on a SCAR.

The ESCARS Unit is part of the Family Violence Division. The unit is responsible for the auditing of SCARs and also tasked with training agencies on ESCARS throughout Los Angeles County. 

If you suspect that a child is being abused, call the Child Protection Hotline at 800-540-4000 or contact your local law enforcement agency.