When a child in our community has been abused or neglected there is usually…

Someone who saw something.
Someone who heard something.
Someone who knew something.

If you are that someone…you are not alone. You can do something to protect a child. There are many people and resources available to help you and the child.

The Someone Who Cares booklet is an important resource, providing information about child abuse and neglect and how to make a report. Order this free booklet by calling Fairview OnCall at 612-672-7272.

Someone Who Cares was developed by the Western Dakota County Action Benefiting Children (ABC) Coalition – a multi-agency effort focusing on family violence prevention - and funded by the Fairview Foundation with in-kind contributions from coalition members.

How can you help?

If a child is in immediate danger – dial 911 immediately and report what you know. If you think a child is being hurt in some way, report it to your county social service department or your local police department. If you have questions, call your county social services department.

If you feel that a child is not in immediate danger, but you have concerns, there are a number of ways you can help. You can:

• Offer to care for the children or help the parent in other ways
• Let the parent know you understand how hard parenting can be
• Distract the child
• Give the parent positive feedback
• Connect with the child whenever possible
• Set rules in your home about what is and isn’t okay
• Stay calm
• Follow up

For more information on how you can help, visit Prevent Child Abuse America.

Signs of Abuse or Neglect

The following signs DO NOT PROVE that a child is being abused, but they could mean that the child and family need help.

A child who has been abused may:

• Be nervous around adults
• Be either very aggressive and disruptive or very passive and withdrawn
• Have a hard time playing and making friends with other children
• Not want to go home
• Seem tired or complain about having nightmares

Signs of physical abuse:

• Unexplained burns, bruises or other injuries
• Faded bruises on his or her body
• Fear of the parent or guardian

Signs of emotional abuse:

• Acts too old or too young for his or her age
• Does not seem to be bonded to the parent
• Extreme changes in behavior
• Attempts suicide

Signs of neglect:

• Often dirty or poorly dressed (such as not wearing a coat in cold weather)
• Not getting medical or dental care
• Reports that there is no one home to take care of him or her
• Often absent from school
• Begging for or stealing money or food
• Using alcohol or drugs
• Often outside during mealtime or out late when other children have gone inside

Resources

United Way 211 - 24/7 helpline for community resources – call 2-1-1.
In greater Minnesota, call 1-800-543-7709.

Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota – call 651-523-0099.
In greater Minnesota, call 1-800-CHILDREN.

Midwest Children’s Resource Center – assesses and treats child sexual and physical abuse; 24 hour helpline – 651-220-6750.

Stop It Now! – prevention of child sexual abuse – call 651-644-8515.
National Helpline – 1-800-PREVENT

Childhelp USA – national 24 hour child abuse hotline – 1-800-422-4453

Crisis Connection – 24 hour phone counseling and referral in Minnesota – 612-379-6363

Parent Warmline at Minneapolis Children’s Hospital – 612-813-6336

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) Programs – contact your local school district