What To Do If You Suspect Child Abuse or Child Maltreatment

Written by HealthyPlace.com Staff Writer

Detailed instructions on what to do if you suspect child abuse, child neglect, or child maltreatment

If a child is in immediate danger or has been severely injured, call 911 or other emergency services.

If you are concerned that a child is being abused, maltreated or neglected, call the police or local child protective services. (Childhelp has a list of local phone numbers you can call for your county or state in the U.S.) You can make an anonymous report if you wish. Also, your local hospital may help connect you to local resources. Many hospitals have programs specifically related to child abuse and maltreatment.

You can also report suspected child abuse by calling the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline:
1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453).
Childhelp cannot make a report of child abuse for you, but they can help you report it by setting up a three-way call with your local enforcement agency.

What happens when I file a report of suspected child abuse?

advertisement

When you suspect a child is, or is at risk of, being abused or neglected, it is important to take action. Most abused children are not able to help themselves.

Certain people, such as health professionals, social workers, and teachers, are required by law in all 50 states to report suspected child abuse and neglect, usually to the police or state child protection services. In some states, all citizens are mandated by law to report any suspicion of child abuse or neglect.

In 2002, about 56% of the suspected child abuse reports were made by professionals in the line of duty. The remaining 44% of referrals were made by family members, neighbors, and other community members.

Many people are unsure how to handle suspected abuse because they:

• Are not sure what acts are considered maltreatment.
• Fear they will cause the child more harm.
• Worry that they will falsely accuse a parent or caregiver.
• Fear that they will become a victim themselves of violence or harassment from the abuser.
• Are concerned they will be sued.

Keep in mind that by reporting suspected abuse or neglect, you may prevent a child from suffering serious injury, severe lifelong emotional problems, or even death. You also can make reports anonymously. In most states, you do not have to give your name when you report child abuse. The child abuser cannot find out who made the report of child abuse. If you give your name, it is kept confidential. A person who makes a report in good faith is immune from lawsuits.

Because in most states suspected abuse must be investigated within 24 hours, the risk of causing a child more harm by making a report is less than if you do not report your suspicions.

Investigators sometimes are not able to find enough evidence to support suspected abuse. In this case, parents or caregivers may be referred to social services to reduce the child's risk of abuse or neglect.

What should I do if I am afraid someone close to me will harm my child?

If you believe your child is in immediate danger, call 911 and get your child to a safe location. If you are very concerned or afraid, arrange to stay in a safe place with your child. This may be the home of a close friend or family member, or a domestic violence shelter. A trusted health professional, a child abuse organization, or the police can guide you to find resources in your area.

If your partner or other caregiver has behaviors you are concerned about, schedule a quiet time to talk with that person alone. Help your partner learn about child development issues, such as by taking a parenting class together. Create an action plan of what to do next should your concerns become more serious.

Sources:

• Administration for Children and Families
• National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information
• National Institutes of Health and National Library of Medicine
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect

next: Hotlines for Reporting Child Abuse