Reporting Abuse
To report abuse or suspected abuse, call Licking County Children Services at (740) 670-8888.
What information do I need to make a report?
Retrieved from Ohio Department of Job and Family Services |
What happens after a report is made?
In Ohio, after a report is made:
What is a mandated reporter? A mandated reporter is someone who is required by law to report if they suspect or know that child abuse if occurring. A list of mandated reporters for Ohio includes:
|
Stresses of Reporting Abuse
There are many reasons why people do not report abuse:
Although all of the above feelings are valid, they focus on something other than the protection of the child in danger.
- Many reporters have received little or no training about the symptoms of abused children. They are uncomfortable making such a serious accusation without more background in the field of child abuse and neglect.
- Some people are afraid of retaliation or being sued.
- Some religious leaders are unwilling to have the state determine their role and function as a religious professional and want to protect their relationship with a congregant from incursion by the state.
- Treatment professionals may see the reporting process as a sign their treatment has failed, or as a violation of confidentiality.
- Reporters may be reluctant to go through “bureaucratic red tape,” or feel it will do nothing to help the family.
- Over-identification with the family may lead to non-reporting because the mandatory reporter feels sorry for them.
- A previous report may not have been handled as the reporter thought appropriate; therefore, the reporter decides not to make any more reports.
Although all of the above feelings are valid, they focus on something other than the protection of the child in danger.
A late report or a report that is not made may place a child’s life in jeopardy.
In Ohio, 764 children died from child abuse or neglect from 2001 to 2010.
In 2010, 83 children died from child abuse and neglect in Ohio.
Data from Every Child Matters: Child Abuse and Neglect Deaths in America.
In Ohio, 764 children died from child abuse or neglect from 2001 to 2010.
In 2010, 83 children died from child abuse and neglect in Ohio.
Data from Every Child Matters: Child Abuse and Neglect Deaths in America.