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Child Abuse and Neglect
Call
- Is not breathing. The
operator can guide you through CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) until help arrives. - Is having moderate to severe difficulty breathing.
- Is bleeding heavily.
- Has an altered level of consciousness.
- Is in shock.
- Exhibits symptoms of a head injury after being shaken.
- Has signs of severe dehydration.
Call law enforcement or child protective services immediately if you:
- Suspect an injury was caused by maltreatment.
- Suspect that abuse or neglect is placing a child's health at risk.
- Suspect that a child has seen or heard domestic violence within the family.
- Have concerns that you or your spouse or significant other may lose control and hurt your child.
If the child is not in immediate danger, call your local child protective services or police if:
- A child tells you about being abused or neglected.
- You observe possible physical abuse injuries.
- You observe signs of sexual abuse.
- You observe signs of neglect.
After you have called law enforcement or child protective services, you can call your child's doctor about treatment for physical and emotional injuries.
Childhelp, a nonprofit agency, provides telephone numbers and information about how to report suspected or observed child abuse or neglect. The national Child Abuse hotline number is 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453). The U.S. Administration of Children and Families, under the Department of Health and Human Services, has established a Children's Bureau that supports the states in the delivery of child welfare services designed to protect children and strengthen families. For more information, see the Other Places to Get Help section of this topic.
In most states, child protection services are required by law to investigate potential child abuse or neglect within 24 hours.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: December 10, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | John Pope, MD - Pediatrics Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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