Child abuse and neglect occur in
all segments of our society,
but the risk factors are greater in families where
parents:
Seem to be having
economic, housing or personal problems
Are isolated from their
family or community
Have difficulty
controlling anger or stress
Are dealing with
physical or mental health issues
Abuse alcohol or drugs
Appear uninterested in
the care, nourishment or safety of their children
By helping parents who might be
struggling with any of these challenges,
you reduce the likelihood that their children will be
abused or neglected.
Reach out to the children, too, and show them that you
care.
The behavior of children may
signal abuse or neglect long before any change
in physical appearance. Some of the signs may include:
Nervousness around
adults
Aggression toward
adults or other children
Inability to stay awake
or to concentrate for extended periods
Sudden, dramatic
changes in personality or activities
Unnatural interest in
sex
Frequent or unexplained
bruises or injuries
Low self-esteem
Poor hygiene
If you see these signs
in any children you know, reach out to them and
to
their parents and offer a helping hand.
If
you suspect abuse or neglect may be occurring, report it.
To find out how,
call information or contact your department of social
services listed under government agencies
in the phone book. If you think a child is in immediate
danger, call the police.
Hotlines
Childhelp USA
National Child Abuse Hotline
15757 N. 78th St.
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
(800) 4-A-CHILD
Operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The hotline
offers crisis intervention,
information, literature and referrals.
National Runaway
Switchboard
30810 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
(800) 621-4000
The National Runaway Switchboard's mission is to
facilitate relationships that
ensure youth and families have access to resources in
their communities.
Children's
Legal Rights
American Bar Association
(ABA)
Center on Children and the Law
740 15th St., NW
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 662-1720
Consultation, technical assistance and training for
professionals in using the
legal system to protect children.
National Association of
Counsel for Children (NACC)
1825
Marion St., Suite 340
Denver, CO 80218
(888) 828-NACC
Professional organization for lawyers and other
practitioners who represent children in court.
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©
Kim Toney 2009
All Rights Reserved
