• What is Child Abuse?

    The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) defines child abuse and neglect as, at a minimum, any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker, which results in

    • death,
    • serious physical or emotional harm,
    • sexual abuse or exploitation (including sexual abuse as determined under section 111), or
    • an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm.

  • Child Abuse ReportingIdentification of possible child abuse  is important, but immediate reporting is crucial.  If you suspect a child is a victim of child abuse, please contact:

    911 in case of an emergency

    Child Abuse Hot Line at 1-800-252-5400

  • Get Additional Help
  • Plano ISD Anonymous Tip Line

  • What to look for:

    Physical Abuse

    • Bruises,
    • welts,
    • black eyes,
    • burns and frequent injuries

    Neglect

    • Obvious malnourishment,
    • dirty clothing and poor hygiene,
    • Excessively passive or sleepy 

    Sexual Abuse

    • Difficulty walking or sitting,
    • Pregnancy in young child,
    • poor peer relationships

     
Counselor with student
Male student holding head down



  • How to Support

    • Don’t be overly critical of the offender.
      • The child may care for that person, regardless of what happened.
      • Simply tell the child the perpetrator needs help, because what they did was wrong.
    • Don’t promise not to tell.
    • Tell the child you believe him/her.
    • Don’t panic or express shock.
    • Reassure the child that it’s not his/her fault, even if she/he participated with some willingness.
    • Use the child’s vocabulary.
    • Determine the child’s immediate need for safety.
    • Let the child know what you will do, and what will happen when the report is made.
    • Report to the proper authorities.
    • Recognize your own feelings about abuse.
      • If you do not, you might project them onto the child and harm the relationship.
    • Talk at the child’s pace.
      • Probing questions can cause anxiety and guilt for a child who seeks support and trust.