Mistreatment or intentional harm of a child younger than age 18 is considered child abuse. Child abuse can be physical (injury/risk of harm), sexual (sexual activity/exploitation/exposure to porn), emotional (verbal, isolating), or neglect (unmet needs). Children can experience one or multiple forms of abuse simultaneously. A child may manifest a variety of signs and symptoms that are red flags or warning signs for abuse. Abuse is associated with impactful short-term and longterm consequences. Survivors of child abuse and neglect are at greater risk for additional problems later in life, affecting not only the victim, but also the family and society as a whole.

We believe it really does take a village to raise a child. And as such, the Washington County Citizen Review Panel for Children’s Services is again requesting YOUR assistance to help protect our children. Child abuse is often identified by school staff, but many children are not currently attending in-person classes. So, we need you, the on-line teacher, neighbor, store clerk, medical professional, clergy, delivery person, postal worker, law enforcement, grandparent or other relative, etc., to be the watchful eyes protecting vulnerable children. Here’s how: Understand the situations conducive to child abuse: Parent/caregiver has experienced abuse or neglect as a child and/or lacks knowledge of child development and parenting skills Physical or mental illness in the home Family crisis, marital problems, single parenting Child with developmental or physical disability Financial issues, unemployment, or poverty Substance abuse Social or extended family isolation Recognize general indicators of possible child abuse (warning signs don’t always indicate abuse is occurring): Changes in behavior like withdrawal, aggression, or anger Depression, anxiety, unusual fears Rebellious behavior; defiant, self-harming, or suicidal Lack of supervision Specific signs of: Physical abuse: injuries that don’t match the given explanation, such as bruises, fractures, burns Sexual abuse: sexual behavior or knowledge inappropriate for the child’s age, sexual contact with other children, pregnancy or sexually transmitted infection, bloody underwear, child saying he/she was sexually abused Emotional abuse: low self-confidence, loss of enthusiasm, depression, loss of interest in or refusing to go to school and poor academic performance, loss of previous developmental skills Neglect: Slowed growth or weight gain, poor hygiene, inadequate clothing or supplies, taking and/or hiding food or money, poor school attendance, lack of medical, dental, psychological care Is it really abuse? Contact Washington County and someone will help: If a child is in immediate danger, or to request an immediate welfare check, call 9-1-1 or your local police department.

To report suspected abuse or neglect of a child, call 651-430-6457.

Calls during the evening, weekend or holidays to report suspected abuse or neglect of a child should be made to the Washington County Crisis Response Unit at 651-275-7400.