Resources and Services
What are some key signs of child abuse? (childwelfare.gov)
- Shows sudden changes in behavior or school performance
- Has not received help for physical or medical problems brought to the parents' attention
- Has learning problems (or difficulty concentrating) that can not be attributed to specific physical or psychological causes
- Is always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen
- Lacks adult supervision
- Is overly compliant, passive, or withdrawn, or is clinging, anxious, irritable
- Comes to school or other activities early, stays late, and does not want to go home
- Is reluctant to be around a particular person
- Discloses maltreatment
For more information on specific signs of child abuse please visit: https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubPDFs/whatiscan.pdf
If a child reports abuse, what are some questions I can ask?
- Is someone making you do anything that you feel uncomfortable about?
- Does any place on your body hurt?
- Has anyone touched you in a way you didn't like?
"Avoid asking leading questions. If sexual abuse is suspected, leave detailed questions for professional interviewers. It is best to have a general conversation where the child discloses spontaneously, and note the child's voice changes, eye contact, breathing patterns and change of subject when describing situations or people." http://childabuse.stanford.edu/screening/children.html
Additional Resources:
- Child Welfare Information Gateway https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/can/
- National Children's Advocacy Center http://www.nationalcac.org/prevention/for-parents2.html