Potential Signs of Neglect or Abuse

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• Unexplained injuries
• Changes in behavior
• Returning to earlier behaviors
• Unusual new fears-fear of going home, fear of certain situations
• Changes in eating habits
• Lack of personal care or hygiene
• Inappropriate sexual behaviors

If you know the child is in immediate physical danger or has been harmed and needs immediate medical attention, you must also make a report to local law enforcement.  ​

Child care professionals are not expected to definitively diagnose or investigate child abuse, but should be able to recognize common signs and symptoms of abuse.  
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It is often difficult to determine if a child is being abused; therefore, always contact the appropriate agency for consultation when there is suspected abuse. According to Federal Law, early childhood professionals who file a report are immune from disciplinary action, including discharge or demotion, unless the report is proven to be malicious. 
When you report a case of suspected child abuse, CPS or the appropriate state agency, has the right to interview the child in your care and look at any of your files.  You can be charged with a gross misdemeanor if you do NOT report a suspected case of child abuse, neglect, or exploitation. 

​Reporting procedures are different for each state. You must know what steps to take, that are relevant for your state. 

Here are the links to a few state specific guidelines:

• Washington State How to Report Child Abuse or Neglect 
• Kansas Report Abuse or Neglect
• Florida Report Abuse, Neglect or Exploitation​
• Georgia Child Abuse & Neglect
• Oregon How to Report Abuse and Neglect​
• Ohio Report Child Abuse and Neglect
• Texas Report Abuse
• New York How to Make a Report
• Missouri Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline​
• Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline Reporting System​​ ​

Abuse and Neglect Reporting

• Complete List of State Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Numbers

Course Navigation Menu

1.  Course Agenda
​2.  What does being a mandated reporter mean?​
3.  Potential Signs of Neglect or Abuse
4.  Discussion: Alleged Incidents at Work (1/4)
5.  Suspecting Abuse
6.  Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms​​
​7. Your Role as a Mandated Reporter​ (2/4)

8.  Responding to a Child's Disclosure
9.  Do's and Don'ts
10. Discussion: Responding to the Child (3/4)
11. Myths About Abuse and Reporting
12. Quiz (4/4)
13. Evaluation Form​
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