How to spot the signs of child abuse

GREENSBORO, N.C. — You can help stop child abuse in its tracks by knowing the signs, symptoms, and how to report it.

Here’s a list of resources provided by the North Carolina Department of Social Services along with contact information. You'll also, find a list of resources for children in need of foster parents in North Carolina.

Information provided below from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

Report What You Know

If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, or think a child could have died from being mistreated, you must report what you know to the county Department of Social Services. This is according to the law. Do not be afraid to report it as long as you are acting in good faith, you cannot be held liable.

Find your local DSS office to report child abuse

Types of Child Abuse

Physical Abuse - injuring a child by hitting, kicking, shaking, or burning, etc. him/her; also includes throwing objects at the child.
Emotional Maltreatment - crushing a child's spirit with degrading derogatory verbal attacks, threats, or humiliation.
Sexual Abuse - sexual contact with a child (incest, inappropriate touching, rape); pornographic use of a child.
Neglect - failure to provide for a child s physical or emotional needs (food, clothing, shelter, medical care, physical or emotional attention); failure to provide guidance or supervision, abandonment.

Recognizing Child Abuse

The Child:

Shows sudden changes in behavior or school performance
Displays overtly sexualized behavior or exhibits sexual knowledge that is inconsistent with their age
Has not received medical attention for a physical injury that has been brought to the parents' attention
Has learning problems that cannot be attributed to specific physical or psychological causes
Is always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen
Is overly compliant, an overachiever, or too responsible
Comes to school early, stays late, and does not want to go home
Has unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, or black eyes
Has bruises or marks in non-prominent, “fleshy” areas of the body (for example, inside of biceps or behind the knees)
Has fading bruises or other marks noticeable after an absence from school
Seems frightened of the parents and protests or cries when it is time to go home from school
Shrinks at the approach of adults
Reports injury by a parent or another adult caregiver

The Parent or Other Adult Caregiver:

Shows little concern for the child, rarely responding to the school's requests for information, for conferences, or for home visits; denies the existence of or blames the child for) the child's problems in school or at home; asks the classroom teacher to use harsh physical discipline if the child misbehaves; sees the child entirely bad, worthless, or burdensome
Demands perfection or a level of physical or academic performance the child cannot achieve
Offers conflicting, unconvincing, or no explanation for the child's injury
Describes the child as "evil," or in some other very negative way
Is abusing alcohol, prescription drugs or illegal drugs and that abuse is having an adverse impact on the child
Uses harsh physical discipline with the child
Has a history of abuse as a child

Recognizing Child Neglect

The Child:

Lacks needed medical or dental care
Lacks age-appropriate adult supervision
Lacks clothing appropriate for the weather
Reports family violence in the home
Reports use of illegal substances or excessive use of alcohol by parents or caregivers (for example, to the point the parent passes out)
Abuses alcohol or other drugs
Begs or steals food or money from classmates
States there is no one at home to provide care

The Parent or Other Adult Caregiver:

Appears to be indifferent to the child
Seems apathetic or depressed
Is involved in an abusive domestic relationship
Behaves irrationally or in a bizarre manner
Is abusing alcohol, prescription drugs or illegal drugs

For Parents Who Need Help:

Seeking help is a sign of strength. Take Triple P’s – Positive Parenting Program online for free, visit our Services and Information Catalog, or call the DHHS Customer Service Center (1-800-662-7030) for assistance finding programs and people to help you. If this is an emergency, call 911. To report suspected child maltreatment, contact a county department of Social Services.

You can also, take Prevent Child Abuse NC’s free, online training on Recognizing & Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment. Find out more, here.

Family Physician or Pediatrician
Mental Health Center
Health Department
1-800-4-A-CHILD a National Child Abuse Hotline

You should report child abuse to DSS.

Find out more, at NCDHHS.

Become A Foster Parent

Every month in 2016, the number of children in the foster care system increased dramatically. At the end of last year, there were over 10,500 children in the North Carolina foster care system in need of adoption, according to the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina.

“Foster care and adoption are in a state of crisis,” said Brian Maness, President, and CEO of Children’s Home Society of North Carolina.

Read: NC Foster Care, Adoption In A State Of Crisis

The Children's Home Society of North Carolina hopes that by raising public awareness, they will be able to help find the right family for all the amazing kids in the system.

Ready to take the next step?

Attend an optional information meeting.
Download the Adoption/Foster Care Application Packet.
Complete the required North Carolina Foster Parent Orientation. If there are two applicants, both applicants must complete the orientation and attach a copy of their certificates with their application or hand deliver at the time of the initial interview.
What are the requirements to be a foster or adoptive parent?

You may be married or single

Must be at least 21 years old
May or may not have birth or other children
Need to have sufficient income for the needs of your own current family
Must provide children with their own bed, and adequate drawer and closet space for their personal belongings
Must live in the state of North Carolina
You are required to complete annual training to maintain your foster care license

For more information on adoption click here.

For more information on foster care click here.

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