What Everyone Should Know About Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect

Every year over three million children are reportedly being abused and neglected in America. On average this means that there are at least four a day that die as a result of abuse. We are all responsible for knowing the signs of abuse so that it can be reported to child services for the sake of the children. People that have close contact with the child such as health care workers, family members and teachers should all be trained to prevent it from happening. There are different kinds of abuse which can be mental, emotional, physical, or sexual or neglecting the basic needs of the child. Neglect is also a reportable since every child should be provided with food, clothing, shelter and medical care. A child can also be considered neglected when he or she is left in a dangerous situation.

1. Call your states abuse and neglect hotline.
2. When you make a report, make sure you communicate your concerns in a detailed way. You will want to tell them exactly what happened, where this occurred, who was involved and when this took place. You will want to give them a record of any and all injuries or incidents that were observed.
3. If you are considering making a reports you should make it as soon as possible. The longer you wait the longer the child is in danger. You should try to report it within 48 hours before any bruises and marks heal. This will help when they go to investigate the child for any physical signs of abuse.
4. Then you should be prepared to give the agency the information you have about the relationship between the child and the suspected abuser.
5. You will need to provide the following information in your report: The Name, age, and address of the child, description of the child, current injuries, medical or behavioral problems, the parents names and names of any other children in the home

If you are worried about the parents or caregiver to the child finding out that you made the report, you have no need to worry. Your identity is not revealed to them and it is kept confidential. Your report is not subject to public release under the Open Records Act. This law protects you from civil or criminal liability for innocent persons who report even unfounded suspicions, as long as your report is made a truthful report based on your observations. You can ask the person who takes down your report not to disclose your name or personal information since most states do have it as an optional request.