From the Department of Children and
Families – Reporting Abuse or Neglect
ABOUT ABUSE
More than 1
million children are victims of child abuse and neglect each year, according to
state child protective service agencies. Many victims don't receive help because
they are not reported to the system. These abused and neglected children span
all ages, races, religions and socio-economic backgrounds. Child maltreatment
includes actions that result in imminent risk of serious harm, death, serious
physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation of a child under age
18 by a parent or caretaker.
When parents can't, don't or won't protect their children, the Department of
Children & Families steps in to help, providing a full spectrum of
services, from parenting classes and respite care to transportation and child
care. The goal of the department is to keep children safe in their own families
when possible.
DEFINITIONS OF ABUSE
As described
in Chapter 415, Florida Statutes, (F.S.), the Florida Department of Children
& Families is charged with providing comprehensive protective services for
abused or neglected children found in the state by requiring that reports of
each abused or neglected child be made to the Florida Abuse Hotline. In taking
action to prevent further harm to the child or any other children living in the
home, the Department of Children & Families must preserve the family life
of the parents and children, to the maximum extent possible, by enhancing the
parental capacity for adequate child care. Law enforcement is to take the lead
in all criminal investigations and prosecution.
A. The
1.
There
is reasonable cause to suspect that a child (less than 18 years
old)
2.
who
can be located in
3.
has
been harmed or is believed to be threatened with harm
4.
from
a person responsible for the care of the child.
B. Definition of Caretaker Responsible:
Every child should expect to be safe and protected when in the care of:
1.
a
PARENT, even if the parent is a minor; or
2.
an
ADULT HOUSEHOLD MEMBER found in the home continually or at regular
intervals; or
3.
ANOTHER ADULT
who has been entrusted with, or voluntarily assumed responsibility
for the care of the child; or.
4.
ANOTHER CHILD
who is an employee or volunteer of a daycare, private school, agency,
summer camp or similar facility when given sole responsibility for the care of
the child.
C. Description of Harm:
ABUSE: Non-accidental infliction of physical or psychological
injury or sexual abuse by a parent, adult household member, or other person
responsible for care of the child.
NEGLECT: Failure/omission by a caretaker to provide the care,
supervision, services or protection necessary to maintain physical and mental
health.
THREATENED HARM: A situation, circumstances or behavior which
lead a prudent person to have reasonable cause to suspect abuse or neglect has
occurred or may occur in the immediate future if no intervention is provided.
HOW TO REPORT
TELEPHONE: 1 - 800 - 96ABUSE
(1-800-962-2873)
TDD (Telephone Device for the Deaf): 1-800-453-5145
FAX: 1 (800) 914-0004
A written report with your name and contact telephone or FAX using the fax form
to: 1 - 800 - 914 -
0004.
NOTIFICATION OF REPORT:
Telephone
reporters will always be told prior to concluding your conversation, whether
the information provided has been accepted as a report.
For
faxed information, notification will be provided only when additional information
is needed to accept a report, or when the report does not fall within the
jurisdiction of Children & Families. Your fax number must be clearly
indicated on your report. Although you may request confirmation, you can assume
that your report was accepted if you provided your fax number and receive no
response from the Hotline.
Voice
mail messages will not be confirmed unless you leave a fax number for a
response as indicated above. The Hotline cannot provide telephone
confirmations.