Stop Child Abuse!
We use to put missing children on milk cartons. Now, we have a dramatic improvement of spreading the word of missing children almost instantaneously using Amber Alert. It is a way to build awareness worldwide.
But…. What about child abuse? What are we doing to spread awareness for it?
Every child deserves care and to be kept safe from harm. Child abuse is more than bruises or broken bones. While physical abuse is shocking due to the scars it leaves, not all child abuse is as obvious. Ignoring children’s needs, putting them in unsupervised, dangerous situations, or making a child feel worthless or stupid are also child abuse. Regardless of the type of child abuse, the result is serious emotional harm.
Texas law says anyone who thinks a child is being abused, neglected, or exploited must report it to DFPS. A person who reports abuse in good faith is immune from civil or criminal liability. DFPS keeps the name of the person making the report confidential. Anyone who does not report suspected abuse can be held liable for a misdemeanor or felony.
We all share a responsibility to protect children from harm. Anyone who has reasonable grounds to suspect that a child is or may be in need of protection must promptly report the suspicion and the information to the Texas Dept of Family and Protected Services at 1-800-252-5400.