What To Do If You Suspect Child Abuse or Neglect?
If you have any reason to suspect a child is being abused or neglected, and that the abuse is by a parent or caretaker, call the Department of Children, Youth and Families at:
1-800-RICHILD
(1-800-742-4453)
If you suspect the abuse is by someone other than a parent or other caretaker, call your local police or sheriff.
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Information Needed for the Report
If known, provide:
• Name, address, age, sex of child and other family members
• Name, address and phone number of child's parent or caretaker
• Parent/guardian's place of employment
• Current condition of child
• Nature, extent and cause of child's injuries or endangered condition including any previously known or suspected abuse to the child or to the child's siblings
• Account of how this child came to the reporter's attention
• Any explanation of the cause of the child's injury or condition offered by the child, caretaker or any other person
• Any other information which the reporter believes might be important
Remember:
1. Your report is a request for an investigation, not an accusation.
2. Your report must be factual and not opinionated.
3. The information you share is confidential.
4. You should report EACH incident of suspected abuse or neglect.
What happens to the report?
A child protection worker from the Department of Children, Youth and Families investigates the reported abuse or neglect.
The investigation will result in one of the following conclusions:
• Abuse or neglect is unsubstantiated
• Abuse or neglect is substantiated
In confirmed cases, a service plan is developed to prevent the recurrence of abuse to the child.
When appropriate, findings are reported to the District Attorney for possible legal action.
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| 500 Prospect Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860 ph. 401-728-7920 fax. 401-724-5850 info@preventchildabuse-ri.org
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