Listed below are only some of the signs of child abuse. Please remember, if you have any reason to believe that a child is being mistreated call the C.A.R.E. Team at 1-800-344-CPAC.
Physical Abuse
- Unexplained injuries such as bruises, welts, burns, fractures, and lacerations
- Frequent appearance of injuries described above
Sexual Abuse
- Appearance of unexplained anxiety, acting out
- Sleep disorders, nightmares, fear of the dark
- Inappropriate touching of self or others
- In older children, a “run-away” pattern may develop
Information about reporting child abuse and the professions where people must report child abuse
Immediately upon the suspicion of or witnessing of a case of child abuse, contact the District Attorney’s C.A.R.E. Team or the Department of Social Services by telephone, letter or in person.
Be prepared to provide the information necessary to identify the abused child/children.
Reports made by anonymous persons are never ignored. They will be referred for investigators.
Mandated Reporters for Child Abuse
- Clerks/Magistrates of District Courts
- Police Officers
- Social Workers
- Foster Parents
- Day Care Workers
- Firefighters
- Teachers (private/public)
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Psychologists
- Therapists
- Emergency Medical Personnel
- Hospital Personnel
- Chiropractors
- Osteopaths
- Dentists
- Educational Administrators
- Probation Officers
What the CARE Team Provides
- Experienced prosecutors to handle cases involving alleged child abuse.
- Experienced investigators providing an early response to reports of child abuse.
- A coordinated effort between law enforcement and social service agencies in responding to and assisting victimized children and their families.
- Specialized victim/witness assistants to guide the victim and the family through the court process.
- Follow-up services as needed provided by the victim/witness assistant regardless of the ultimate legal outcome of the case.