• One in four girls and one in six boys are sexually abused before the age of 18.
• Every day, three children in America die as a result of abuse and neglect.
• Two-thirds of all reported victims are under six years old.
• Ninety percent of abusive and neglectful parents were themselves abused and neglected children.
• PREVENTION is the key to ELIMINATION of CHILD VICTIMIZATION

Much is being done to PREVENT child abuse and neglect, yet we must do more. As long as a single child is abused or neglected, this struggle cannot end.

No study can guage the human toll that abuse and neglect inflicts on our children. Most physical injuries heal with time, but the emotional injuries can last a lifetime, leaving survivors to ask time and time again: "Why was I hurt so badly by those who were supposed to love and protect me?"

There is no good answer.

The St. Clair County Child Abuse/Neglect Council, and others like it all across Michigan, are working for the day when no child has to ask that question.

Every step we take toward eliminating child abuse will improve the quality of life for children, families, and communities, and will provide a better future for all of us.

The following characteristics of children and parents may be indicative of child abuse and neglect:

The Child:

• Shows sudden changes in behavior or social interaction.
• Has not received help for physical or mental problems brought to the parents' attention.
• Is chronically hungry.
• Is consistently dressed inappropriately for the weather.
• Has unexplained burns, bites, bruises or black eyes.
• Has fading bruises or other marks after an absence from programming.
• Reports injury or sexual abuse by a parent or caregiver.
• Has difficulty walking or sitting, demonstrates bizarre or sophisticated sexual knowledge or behavior.

The parent:

• Is unduly protective of the child and severely limits the child's contact with other children.
• Offers conflicting, unconvincing, or no explanation for injuries.
• Describes the child in negative terms or shows little concern for the child.
• Abuses drugs or alcohol.
• Requests that program staff use physical discipline measures with the child.

Disclosures of Child Abuse and Neglect:

• Advise and reassure the child that their safety is the primary concern.
• Advise the child that the information will need to be reported.
• Do not make promises to them as to what action will be taken by the authorities.
• Respect them, respect their right to privacy, and be supportive and honest in assisting them with their reactions and emotions.

• Mandatory Reporters are defined by law as those who have to report any suspected child abuse or neglect. The following professionals are mandated reporters:
  • Physician
  • Dentist
  • Physician's Assistant
  • Registered Dental Hygienist
  • Medical Examiner
  • Nurse
  • Person licensed to provide emergency medical care
  • Audiologist
  • Psychologist
  • Marriage and Family Therapist
  • Licensed Professional Counselor
  • Certified Social Worker
  • Social Worker
  • Social Work Technician
  • School Administrator
  • School Counselor or Teacher
  • Law Enforcement Officer
  • Member of the Clergy
  • Regulated Child Care Provider

It is required that if there is reasonable cause to suspect child abuse or neglect, a mandated reporter shall make immediately, by telephone or otherwise, an oral report, and within 72 hours, file a written report as required by the law.

• St. Clair County, Children's Protective Services

  • Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 810-966-2173.
  • After hours,nights,weekends and holidays is 1-800-662-1023.
• Mandated reporters who fail to report suspected child abuse or neglect face criminal liability. Any other individual who is not listed as a mandated reporter, and is aware of an incident of child abuse or neglect, should also make a report to Children's Protective Services.
• The DHS 3200 form - "Report of Actual or Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect" can be downloaded from the State of Michigan Website at www.michigan.gov or is available from The Department of Human Services. Upon completion of the form, it should be mailed or faxed to the Department of Human Services in the county of residence.
  
  St Clair County Department of Human Services
  Children's Protective Services
  220 Fort St.
  Port Huron, MI 48060
  Fax# 810-966-2043