Delaware County, Indiana

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Eric Hoffman,
Prosecuting Attorney

3100 S tillotson Ave
Suite 270
Muncie, IN 47302
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  • Phone: (765) 747-7801
  • Fax: (765) 747-7830
  • Staff Directory
  • Office Hours:
    8:30 am - 12:00 pm 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Monday - Friday

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Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention

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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?

  • If you suspect abuse or neglect, immediately call the Indiana Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800- 800-5556 or make a report through your local law enforcement agency.
  • Reach out to parents that you know and offer a hand or emotional support.
  • Volunteer time to programs that help parents.
  • Let all of the children in your life know that that they can depend on you.
  • Advocate for community services to help families.
  • Consider becoming a foster parent.

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

Prevent Child Abuse Indiana

Prevent Child Abuse Delaware County

Indiana Department of Child Services

National Child Welfare Information Gateway

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children