In 1983, President Ronald Reagan formally declared April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. Every year since, the nation has come together to bring awareness to the child abuse epidemic plaguing our country. The vast majority of child abuse and neglect cases result from conditions that can be prevented through community programs, support, and interventions. Child abuse prevention is possible through partnerships among families, social service and healthcare organizations, schools, religious and civic groups, law enforcement agencies, and the entire community devoted to the safety of our children.
April is a great opportunity to remind the public that each and every one of us have an absolute legal duty to immediately report suspected child abuse or neglect. Failure to do so, may subject you to arrest, prosecution, and up to 180 days imprisonment in jail. If you suspect that a child is or has been the victim of child abuse or neglect you must immediately call the child abuse hotline at 1-800-800-5556, or make a report through your local law enforcement agency. Pick the phone, make a report. Not only are you legally required to do so, but you just might save a child’s life.
How can you help prevent abuse and neglect?
On March 31, 2019, The Star Press published a guest editorial written by Prosecutor Hoffman, you can read it here.
Below you will find links to various documents and web pages devoted to child abuse and neglect prevention:
Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Guide
Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Resources
Prevent Child Abuse Delaware County
Indiana Department of Child Services