If you see Child Abuse happening, call the Police at 911 immediately.
To Report Child Abuse Call 1 (877) 237-0004
Crisis Hotline Number: 1 (800) 273-4747
What to DO when a child comes forward:
Contact Law Enforcement at 911 and the Department of Children Services at 1-877-237-0004 immediately and without exception
Comfort and reassure the child, when needed
Contact your local Carl Perkins Center
Document the information and your concerns in writing as soon as possible
Secure medical attention, if appropriate
Keep the child separate from the alleged offender, if possible
What NOT to DO when a child comes forward:
Make promises you cannot keep
Attempt to investigate the allegations on your own
Make the child repeat the disclosure to other responsible adults
Inform the alleged offender of the accusation or the identity of the child
Overreact, be judgmental or become overly emotional in the presence of the child
Confront the alleged offender
Ways to RESPOND when a child comes forward:
Go slowly and deliberately—don’t ask too much too quickly and don’t pressure the child to keep talking
Reassure the child that he or she did the right thing by telling
Let the child know you believe his or her story
Tell the child it was not his or her fault; repeat this message
Keep your own anger in check
It is all right to say you are sorry for what happened, but don’t allow your feelings of sadness or anger to overwhelm the child’s feelings or take precedence
Tell the child briefly what will happen next
Give continuing support for the courage and strength it took for the child to tell