*** Please Note - items on the list below DO NOT mean a child is being abused, they are just provided as a guideline for what to look for. If you believe a child has been or is being abused, please REPORT it to the Department of Children services immediately, so the proper authorities can investigate. DO NOT try to investigate yourself. Please read our DO's and DON'TS page for tips when a child discloses abuse to you. 

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The following signs may signal the presence of child abuse or neglect.

The Child:

• Shows sudden changes in behavior or school performance

• Has not received help for physical or medical problems brought to the parents’ attention

• Has learning problems (or difficulty concentrating) that cannot be attributed to specific physical or psychological causes

• Is always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen

• Lacks adult supervision

• Is overly compliant, passive, or withdrawn

• Comes to school or other activities early, stays late, and does not want to go home

• Is reluctant to be around a particular person 

• Discloses maltreatment

The Parent:

• Denies the existence of—or blames the child for—the child’s problems in school or at home

• Asks teachers or other caregivers to use harsh physical discipline if the child misbehaves

• Sees the child as entirely bad, worthless, or burdensome

• Demands a level of physical or academic performance the child cannot achieve

• Looks primarily to the child for care, attention, and satisfaction of the parent’s emotional needs

• Shows little concern for the child

The Parent and Child:

• Rarely touch or look at each other

• Consider their relationship entirely negative

• State that they do not like each other