Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect in Delaware
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
Approximately 16,000 calls reporting cases of suspected child abuse or neglect were made to the Delaware Report line in 2012. Delaware law defines child abuse as someone who causes or inflicts upon a child physical injury through force, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, torture, and/or exploitation. Additionally, neglect is defined as someone who: is responsible for the care, custody, and/or control of a child and fails to provide necessary care with regard to: food, clothing, shelter, education, health, medical or other care, chronically and severely abuses alcohol or a controlled substance.
This website is designed to provide information on how to identify, and report suspected cases of abuse and neglect as well as provide prevention information to help families struggling with issues that might put their children at risk, and training for citizens who want to join in the fight to protect Delaware’s children.
Governor Markell 2013 – See the Signs
Leslie Newman – Children & Families First (prevention)
AG Beau Biden #1
AG Beau Biden #2
Identifying Signs of Abuse –
The signs of child abuse and neglect are not always as obvious as a broken bone or bruise. Click
here
to learn more about some of the signs of abuse/neglect. You can also learn more about the signs of child sexual abuse
here
and the myths surrounding the issue.
Reporting Abuse and the Investigation Process - It’s important for citizens and professionals to know what to expect when they call to report a case of suspected abuse/neglect. For instance, because of historic call volume, callers may be on hold for a short period of time. Click here to learn what you should be prepared to share with our Report Line staff. Also, have you ever wondered what happens after you hang up? Click here for information on the Investigative Process.
Information for Professionals
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| Law Enforcement | Medical | Education |
Mandatory Reporting Form
For professionals required by law to report child abuse or neglect. * Please note, a call to the Report Line must be accomplished when using this form.
http://kids.delaware.gov/pdfsFillSave/fs_CAN_MandatoryForm_FS.pdf
Struggling? At the end of your Rope? Prevention Starts at Home - By ensuring that parents have the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to care for their children, we can help promote children’s social and emotional well-being and prevent child maltreatment within families and communities.
Research shows that when parents possess six protective factors, the risk for neglect and abuse diminish and optimal outcomes for children, youth, and families are promoted. The six protective factors are:
- Nurturing and attachment
- Knowledge of parenting and of child and youth development
- Parental resilience
- Social connections
- Concrete supports for parents
- Social and emotional developmental well-being
Here are some tips to help you cope, whether it’s ‘in the moment’ or your child just won’t stop crying.
