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• Know Child Abuse Training
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Recognize the Signs

Every year in Escambia County over 5000+ reports of suspected child abuse are received by the Department of Children and Families. Child abuse comes in many forms – physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect – and recognizing child abuse isn't easy.

Click here for a full listing of the programs we offer.

Some possible signs of child abuse are:

• Any change in a child's behavior
  • an outgoing child becomes withdrawn or vice versa
  • a child's grades start dropping
  • a child is unable to sleep
  • a child regresses to an earlier stage of development, such as bed-wetting
  • a child becomes fearful
  • a child displays self-harm or aggression to other children
• Frequent bruises or broken bones
• Frequent absences
• Social isolation
• Inadequate hygiene

The thing to remember is that it is NOT your job to KNOW whether abuse is occurring or not – it is your job to report ANY concerns. Under Florida law, anyone who suspects a child may be abused or neglected has a legal responsibility to report it. Make the call, get a professional set of eyes and ears on that child, and save a life.

For more tips on spotting child abuse, go to:

• DontMissTheSigns.org
• ChildWelfare.gov

Reporting abuse

It's mandatory under Florida to report abuse if you see it happening or suspect that it's occurring. Abuse may be reported by calling the Abuse Hotline at:

Telephone: 1-800-962-2873
TDD (Telephone Device for the Deaf): 1-800-453-5145

* This toll free number is available 24/7; counselors are waiting to assist you.
Learn about fax and web reporting options by following this link to MyFLFamilies.com:
http://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/abuse-hotline/howtoreport

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