What do I do if I suspect abuse or neglect?

As a Thread volunteer, you are a mandated reporter and are required to report suspected abuse and neglect. According to Maryland law, a report must be made when an individual has knowledge of or has reason to believe that a child has experienced any form of abuse or neglect by a caregiver. 

What is Child Abuse? Child abuse and neglect includes those actions by a caregiver which cause harm or substantial risk of harm. That harm can take many different forms, including physical harm, sexual molestation or exploitation (human trafficking), or failure to give proper care and attention to a child to the extent their health and welfare are endangered. "Children" includes everyone under the age of 18 and, in the case of sexual abuse, consent of the child is not a defense.  **Note: Lack of financial means does not mean neglect of abuse**

Recognize the Warning Signs: 

• Inappropriate boundaries or relationships with an adult or caretaker 
• Inappropriate or excessive fear of parent or caretaker 
• Sudden, dramatic changes in personality or activities 
• Age inappropriate interest in sex or sexual knowledge 
• Bruises, welts or broken bones 
• Involving other children in sexual play 
• Poor hygiene • Inconsistent or unbelievable explanation for injuries 
• Disclosures 

If a child under the age of 18 makes a disclosure to you: 

• Stay calm. Ask for more information using open ended questions. Do not prompt or lead.
• “Can you tell me more about what happened?”
• As soon as possible, write down what was said. 
• Comfort the child.
• “Thank you for sharing this information with me.”
• “It was very brave of you to share this with me.” 
• Do not make promises, since you may not be able to keep them. Do not promise that the youth will not see the perpetrator of abuse again. Do not promise that you will keep this information secret. 
• Do not criticize the person they’re accusing; it may be painful or confusing for the child. 

PLEASE NOTE: As a mandated reporter, if you suspect a child has been abused or neglected, you are legally required to make a report. You do not need to witness it and it does not need to be disclosed to you by the child or someone else. You do not need to investigate or determine if the abuse actually occurred. After you make a report, it may be screened in (for investigation) or screened out (for lack of information/not meeting criteria). Anyone who makes a report of suspected child abuse in good faith (i.e. without knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard for truth) is granted immunity from civil and criminal liability. 

Click here for the mandated reporting and Thread Guidelines.