Signs of Child Abuse and Neglect

The Department of Social Services (DSS) has a new phone line for residents to report child abuse. Call the Child Protective Services HELP line at 980-31-HELPS (43577) to report allegations of child abuse, neglect or human trafficking. This hotline is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week; including holidays. All calls will be kept confidential.

If you have general inquiries about Child Protective Services, existing cases, social workers and community resources, call the new Youth and Family Services (YFS) Information Assistance Line at 980-314-7700. Foster parents can also call the Information Assistance Line to contact the YFS nurse.

Signs of Possible Physical Abuse

• Unexplained bruises in various stages of healing
• Self-destructive behaviors
• Welts, human bite marks, bald spots
• Unexplained burns - especially cigarette burns or glove-like burns
• Unexplained fractures, injuries or abrasions
• Nervousness, hyperactivity, aggressiveness, disruptive and destructive behaviors
• Unusual wariness of physical contact
• Fear of parent or caretaker
• Lack of expressed emotion Unduly shy, withdrawn and passive

Signs of Possible Sexual Abuse

• Exhibiting sexual behaviors that are not appropriate for the child's age
• A detailed and sophisticated understanding of sexual behavior
• Reversion to behaviors such as bed-wetting, speech loss and thumb-sucking
• Sleep disturbances or nightmares
• Pain, itching, bruising or bleeding in the genital area
• Venereal disease
• Frequent urinary tract or yeast infections
• Exhibiting delinquent or aggressive behaviors
• Showing signs of depression
• Displaying self-injurious behaviors such as substance abuse, self-mutilation, suicide attempts, prostitution or running away

Signs of Possible Emotional Abuse

• Speech disorders
• Delayed physical or emotional development
• Ulcers, asthma, severe allergies
• Habit disorders such as sucking or rocking
• Unduly passive and undemanding
• Extremely demanding, aggressive or angry behavior
• Antisocial, destructive attitude
• Depressed or suicidal tendencies
• Attention-seeking activities
• Delinquent behavior - especially in adolescents

Signs of Possible Neglect

• Abandonment by parent or caregiver
• Unattended medical needs
• Consistent lack of supervision
• Consistent hunger, inappropriate dress, poor hygiene
• Lice, distended stomach
• Poor social skills
• Indiscriminate about his/her affection
• Pale, listless, begs or steals food, frequent absences from school
• Falls asleep in class, regularly displays fatigue
• Self-destructive behaviors