• Other
  • Parenting
  • Safety

Help protect children from abuse

Posted
Young girl staring

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:

SOURCES:

Childhelp
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
The Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida
The Florida Department of Children & Families







 

You May Also Like

    • Behavior
    • Other
    • Parenting

    Are you thinking about becoming foster parents? Here’s how . . .

    A couple of local experts answer your questions in this Q&A, such as the requirements of the process and preparation, financial compensation and the types of children waiting to be …

    Read More
    • Other
    • Parenting
    • Safety

    Is your family facing homelessness? Don't be afraid to ask for help

    Agencies in Palm Beach County work together to help families find stable housing. If you're on the verge of homelessness, here are all the details from our local experts on how rea …

    Read More
    • Health
    • Other
    • Parenting

    Need a break? Reach out for range of help for special needs

    If you're raising a child with special needs in Palm Beach County, read on for details on the many organizations that are here to help. From respite services to equipment, assistan …

    Read More

Related resources

    • Behavior
    • Parenting

    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
    • 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
    • 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
    • Other
    • Safety

    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