Staff Reports | Community Updates
Childhelp announced that the Courage First Athlete Helpline will begin operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, starting Friday, Jan. 16, 2026.
The expanded service reflects increased demand for trauma‑informed support for athletes and others involved in sports and is intended to provide continuous access to confidential assistance, according to a press release.
The Courage First Athlete Helpline offers support in more than 240 languages to athletes of all levels, as well as parents, coaches and others concerned about abuse in athletic settings.
The expanded availability is made possible through the integration of the Courage First Athlete Helpline with the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline, which has provided crisis intervention, information and referrals nationwide for more than four decades.
“As awareness grows around abuse in sports, so does the need for immediate, knowledgeable support,” said Virginia Bagby, director of the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline. “By expanding the Courage First Athlete Helpline to 24/7 service, we are meeting people where they are, usually in moments of crisis, with compassionate and confidential care,” Ms. Bagby said.
Calls, texts and chats are answered by degreed, professionally trained counselors with specialized experience in child abuse and trauma response. The organization said the approach is intended to ensure callers receive accurate information, emotional support and appropriate referrals within the context of athletic environments.
“Athletes face distinct power structures and pressures that can make speaking up incredibly difficult,” Ms. Bagby said. “Fear of retaliation, loss of opportunity, or not being believed can silence survivors for years,” Ms. Bagby said. “Having access to a trained counselor who understands both trauma and the realities of sports can be a critical first step toward safety and healing,” Ms. Bagby said.
The Courage First Athlete Helpline is available 24/7 by calling, texting or chatting at 1‑800‑4‑A‑CHILD (1‑800‑422‑4453).
