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Report Child Abuse or Neglect
Reporting Child Abuse
Certain professionals known as “mandated reporters” are required by law to report suspected child abuse / neglect. Mandate reporters include:
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Citizens can also make reports of suspected child abuse / neglect. Citizens may include:
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When Do I Report?
Anyone with proof or “reasonable suspicion” of child abuse and/or neglect should make a report immediately.
Reports can be made any time, day or night, seven days a week:
- Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., call 209-533-5717
- After hours, weekends, and holidays, call 209-533-HELP(209-533-4357)
Types of Child Abuse
Physical
Physical abuse includes any act on a child by a parent or caregiver that results in non-accidental injuries. Some indicators of physical abuse are:
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Sexual
Sexual child abuse includes any sexual act performed on a child by a parent or caregiver. Some indicators of sexual abuse are:
- Disclosures by the child
- Inappropriate sexual knowledge and language
- Pregnancy
- Problems toileting (enuresis / encopresis)
- Sexual behaviors that are age inappropriate
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Emotional
Emotional child abuse includes emotional maltreatment of a child by a parent/caregiver that negatively affects the child. Some indicators of emotional abuse are:
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Neglect
Neglect child abuse includes the failure of the parent or caregiver to meet the child’s basic needs to the extent the child’s health and welfare is harmed or threatened. Some indicators of neglect are:
- Child appears undernourished and is often hungry
- Child appears dirty and/or unkempt
- Home conditions are unsafe and unsanitary
- Child lacks age appropriate medical, dental, mental health care
Contact Us
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Child Welfare Services
20111 Cedar Road North
Sonora, CA 95370
Ph: 209-533-5717
Fx: 209-533-5742
After Hour / Weekend / Holiday Ph: 209-533-4357, or toll free at 866-388-7502
Hours
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.