How To Report Child Abuse or Neglect
The job of protecting children starts in the community. While certain people are required by law to report child mistreatment, anyone canmake a report of suspected abuse. The sooner the authorities know about a child, the faster theycan move to help.
Things to Look For
Children who are maltreated are:
- often left home alone
- in the neighborhood for long periods without supervision
- frequently hungry
- dressed inadequately for the weather
- absent from school frequently
- bruised or have other marks of physical violence
- withdrawn or overly aggressive
- not receiving needed medical attention
How to Report
If a child is in immediate danger (obviously being beaten or left alone overnight, for example), the police should be called immediately.
In all other cases, reports should be made to the DFCS office in the county where the child lives.
People who call to report suspected abuse do not have to be sure maltreatment has occurred. They simply report what they have seen or heard. The authorities will investigate and confirm whether or not abuse has occurred. People who call are asked to give the name and location of the child and the name of the suspected perpetrator.
Reports are confidential and those who call do not have to give their name. However, it is most helpful to the child in the long run if the reporter is willing to give his or her name and address and, if necessary, testify in court.
How To Report Child Abuse or Neglect
Printer friendly version of information on how to report child abuse or neglect. Adobe Acrobt format - 36K.
|
|