Child Abuse and Neglect

Disclaimer: The following information is provided by Child Welfare Information Gateway.

Categories of Child and Neglect


  • Child abuse
  • Sexual abuse
  • Emotional abuse or psychological abuse
  • Physical abuse
  • Abandonment 



If you are unsure of a child being abused, here are some tips to help you.


Physical indicators of physical abuse include:


  • Unexplained injuries
  • Unbelievable or inconsistent explanations of injuries
  • Multiple bruises in various stages of healing
  • Injuries that are inconsistent with a child’s age/developmental level
  • Burns



Behavioral indicators of physical abuse include:


  • Fear of going home
  • Extreme apprehensiveness or vigilance
  • Pronounced aggression or passivity
  • Flinching easily or avoiding touch
  • Abusive behavior or talk during play
  • Unable to recall how injuries occurred
  • Account of injuries is inconsistent with the nature of the injuries
  • Fear of parent/guardian or care giver 


How to Report Child and Neglect


There are ways you can help stop child maltreatment if you suspect or know that a child is being abused or neglected. If you or someone else is in immediate and serious danger, you should call 911.


You may be wondering who can report child abuse and neglect, what information is included in a report, or what happens after a report is made?

How do I report suspected child abuse or neglect? 

State Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Numbers


Contact your local child protective services office or law enforcement agency.


Alameda county social services agency

24100 Amador street
Hayward, CA 94544
510 670 6000


Alameda county child abuse council

Hayward, CA
510 780 8989


Alameda county social services agency

224 W. Winton Ave
Hayward, CA 94544
510 780 8989

 


Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline


Childhelp Provides information on the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline (Call or text 1.800.4.A.CHILD [1.800.422.4453]). Professional crisis counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in over 170 languages. All calls are confidential. The hotline offers crisis intervention, information, and referrals to thousands of emergency, social service, and support resources.



CyberTipline


National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (2022)
Provides information about how to report online sexual exploitation of a child or if you suspect that a child has been inappropriately contacted online. Information will be made available to law enforcement to investigate.


PLEASE NOTE:

Child Welfare Information Gateway is not a hotline for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect, and it is not equipped to accept reports or intervene in personal situations of this nature. 

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