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What do I do if I suspect that
a child is being abused?
What
can you do to help?
Abusive families need
help. You could even save a life.
Children die every day from
abuse and neglect. Often someone is aware of the maltreatment and did
not report it. When you report abuse, families are connected with
counseling, resources and services. This may reduce stress and save a
life.
Stopping the cycle
of abuse and neglect.
Victims of child abuse who receive
counseling and treatment are less likely to become abusers or have other
problems as they grow up.
Who do I call to make
a report?
In case of an emergency, dial 911. In non-emergency situations, call your
local public children services agency to make a report about the abuse.
If you do not know that agency’s number, you may check your phone
book for the number, click here to
see a list of Ohio's public children services agencies (listed by county) which contains that information, or contact
Prevent Child Abuse Ohio at (614) 722-6800 or 1-800-CHILDREN for information.
Guidelines for making
a report:
- Report your suspicions to the public children service agency or law
enforcement agency in the county in which the child lives or was abused.
What information do
I need to make a report?
- The name and address of the child you suspect is being abused or neglected
- The age of the child
- The name and address of the parents or caretakers
- The name of the person you suspect is abusing or neglecting the child
and the address if available
- The reason you suspect the child is being abuse and neglected
- Any other information which may be helpful to the investigation
- You have the option of giving your name or reporting anonymously.
Giving your name can help the investigator clarify information. The
agency will not give your name to the person suspected of abusing the
child.
- Please Note: All of the above information is not needed to make
a report. If you are not sure you have enough information to report,
always err on the safety of the child. Children services screens all
reports to determine if there is enough information to investigate.
What happens after a
report is made?
In Ohio, after a report is made,
- A child protective services investigator will interview the child,
family members & others as deemed appropriate.
- The investigator determines if the child is being abused or is at
risk for abuse.
- The case may be referred to local social service agencies, or to juvenile,
family or criminal court.
What is a mandated reporter?
A mandated reporter is someone
required by law to report if they suspect or know that child abuse if
occurring. A list of mandated reporters for Ohio includes:
- Attorneys
- Audiologists
- Child care workers
- Children Services personnel
- Coroners
- Day care personnel
- Dentists
- Nurses
- Physicians including hospital interns and residents
- Podiatrists
- Psychiatrists
- School authorities, employees and teachers
- Social Workers
- Speech Pathologists
- Animal Control Officers/Agents
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