Established by the Nevada State Legislature in 2003, the Systems Advocate Unit assists constituents with their complaints and concerns regarding programs the Division of Child and Family Services oversees (e.g., Children's Mental Health, Child Welfare, Juvenile Justice Services, Victim Services). Complaints and concerns may be submitted directly to the Systems Advocate Unit, the DHHS Director’s Office, or the Governor’s Office.
The Systems Advocate also serves as the Division’s Public Information Officer, Media Liaison, Public Records Request Officer, and Division Hearing Officer.
File a Complaint
To file a complaint:
Report Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect
The Systems Advocate Unit cannot accept calls for child abuse or neglect. To make a confidential report:
- Clark County (Las Vegas/Henderson area), call 702-399-0081 or visit their website for more information
- Washoe County (Reno/Sparks area), call 833-900-7233 or visit their website for more information
- For all the other counties, call 833-517-1041 during work hours or contact local law enforcement after hours, on weekends, and holidays.
For emergencies, call 911 to report to your local law enforcement agency.
DCFS Program Locations and Phone Numbers
Public Records Requests
Click here for information on making a public records request.
Central Registry Records Requests
Click here for information on requesting child abuse/neglect history and Central Registry checks.
Adoption Records
In Nevada, adoption records are sealed and confidential records (NRS 127.140) and can only be accessed by a court order. A person would need to show “just cause” in petitioning to unseal their adoption records. When an adoptee reaches 18 years of age they can request any non-identifying information available at the time of their adoption from their adoption files. Adoption records requests can be made by emailing DCFSReunionRegistry@dcfs.nv.gov.