What is child abuse?

A child is abused or neglected when he/she is injured by the intentional acts or omissions of an adult.

Below are examples of abuse and neglect:

• Physical or mental injury

• Excessive corporal punishment

• Sexual offenses

• Failure to supply food, clothing, shelter, education or medical care

• Abandonment

• Encouraging delinquency

• Substantial risk of abuse or neglect

How to report child abuse:

Call the Department of Human Resources (DHR) if the suspected perpetrator is:

• Child’s parent, guardian or foster parent

• Operator, employee or caregiver of a public or private residential home, institution, agency or childcare facility

• Adult who has assumed the role of or responsibility of a parent or guardian for the child (does not necessarily have legal custody)

Report to local law enforcement if the suspected perpetrator is not responsible for the child’s welfare. Examples include:

• Occasional babysitter

• Neighbor

• Stranger

• Leader in youth organization

• Family member other than parent, guardian or foster parent