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Help protect children from abuse

Sometimes, something just doesn’t feel right.
Maybe a child you know has started to act funny — pulling away from you, like they’re hiding something. Maybe they’ve stopped eating, playing or enjoying things they used to love. Or maybe you see a child you don’t know who seems dirty, hungry, scared or overly anxious.
It’s normal to want to help. But the question is how?
First things first. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, you must report it to Florida Department of Children & Families via its hotline at 1-800-962-2873 or online here. You don't have to leave your name if you're not a mandatory reporter by law, such as a teacher, child-care worker, doctor or nurse.
NOW, SOME BACKGROUND
Child abuse has devastating consequences for our community. In Palm Beach County, nearly 1,450 children were abused or neglected in recent years — 47 percent were younger than 5 and 83 percent younger than 13.
Besides the immediate dangers, the long-term consequences of abuse/neglect are mind-boggling. Children who experience abuse and neglect are:
- 9 times more likely to become involved in criminal activity.
- 25 percent more likely to experience teen pregnancy.
Additionally, two of every three people in treatment for drug abuse report being abused and neglected as a child.
WHAT DOES CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT LOOK LIKE?
Physical signs:
- Unexplained bruises, welts, burns or fractures
- Unkempt or malnourished appearance
- Loss of appetite
- Disturbed sleep
- Discoloration or scarring of genital area, sexually transmitted diseases
- Repeat urinary tract infections
Behavioral signs:
- Abrupt changes in behavior (clinginess, aggressiveness, withdrawal, depression, anxiety)
- Fear of a person or place
- Discomfort with physical contact
- Molestation of other children
- Suicidal tendencies
HOW TO GET HELP
Lastly, it’s important to remember that caring for children is hard work. If you'd like guidance managing your emotions and feelings as a parent or caregiver, these organizations can help:
- Community Partners of South Florida: 561-841-3500, ext. 1087
- Center for Family Services of Palm Beach County: 561-616-1222
- BRIDGES: 561-740-7017
SOURCES:
• Childhelp
• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
• The Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida
• The Florida Department of Children & Families
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Related resources
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- Behavior
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Center for Family Services of Palm Beach County
Positive Parenting Program, known as Triple P, offers free seminars and one-on-one guidance to help families improve the parent-child relationship
561-616-1222 Website Email -
- Behavior
- Parenting
Community Partners
Positive Parenting Program, known as Triple P — free seminars and one-on-one guidance to help families improve their parent-child relationships
561-841-3500 Website Email -
- Other
- Parenting
- Safety
ChildNet
A local nonprofit organization that manages aspects of the child-welfare system, such as foster care, adoption and other youth services
561-352-2500 Website Email -
- Other
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Florida Department of Children and Families
Child Abuse Hotline
800-962-2873 Website -
- Education
- Parenting
- Things to do
BRIDGES of Palm Beach County
Ten neighborhood hubs help parents raise children healthy, safe and strong
561-740-7017 Website