What should you do if you think a child is being abused?
As someone who just adopted two children from the foster care system, my heart aches to hear about the death of three-year-old Kayleigh Slusher. Our now-adopted kids faced neglect and abuse early in their lives. It’s heartbreaking to read their files. I’m so thankful they’re in our home now! I’m thankful for their advocates who spoke up, saving them! (Does this issue weigh on your heart? Tune into Nancy Grace tonight on HLN to hear more about the story.)
All of us need to pay attention, and if there are warning signs we need to say something.
Warning Sign #1
You can question if a child is safe by the company her parents keep.
1 Corinthians 15:33 says, “Bad company corrupts good character” (NLT). Kayleigh’s mom, Sara, was trying to overcome her addictions, but according to news reports her new boyfriend took her south . . . fast.
Are you wondering if a child is safe? Look at the company her mother is keeping. If there are unsavory characters around and drug use, domestic disputes, and other immoral behavior, the child is not safe.
Warning Sign #2
You can question if a child is safe by the child’s access to loving, caring adults. If the child is hidden away and not allowed to play with other kids or be around caring adults, the parent is hiding something. A hidden-away child is not a safe child.
Warning Sign #3
You can question if a child is safe if the child is making excuses for her parent. New reports state that police questioned Kayleigh twice. She no doubt stood up for her mom. Children will say what they must to protect their parents; sadly parents won’t do what they need to to protect their kids. If a child is having to make excuses for her parent, then you should question what that parent is hiding. A child who feels she has to protect is not safe.
Do these warning signs remind you of a child you know? If so, what should you do?
1. Call for help.
The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) is dedicated to the prevention of child abuse. Serving the United States, its territories, and Canada, the hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with professional crisis counselors who, through interpreters, can provide assistance in 170 languages.
The Hotline offers crisis intervention, information, literature, and referrals to thousands of emergency, social service, and support resources. All calls are anonymous and confidential.
2. If help isn’t given, keep knocking on doors.
God placed you in that child’s life for a reason. Be an advocate. Matthew 18:5 says, “And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.”
There are also a few other things to consider: Don’t just make the call. Be the answer!
Become a foster parent. If Kayleigh had been removed from her mother’s home, she would have been placed into the home of a foster family—a home where she’d be cared for and watched over. Sadly there are often more children than families available. Be the answer: consider becoming a foster family.
Adopt from foster care. We had many hard months, but with the combination of behavior therapy, unconditional love, and a happy home, my kids are doing well! There are a few hundred thousand kids in the foster care system who need homes. If loving families stood up to help JUST ONE, it would make a huge difference! Be the answer for ONE!
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Excellent points, Tricia. 6 of our 7 nieces and nephews have been adopted through foster care. I just watched the video about Kayliegh. It’s simply awful and the only peace in any of it is that she’s with Jesus.
It is just awful!! So sad! I’m hugging my 3-year-olds closer tonight!
That’s amazing about your nieces and nephews! I love our two and we are praying about more. How can we turn out backs on these kids?
Good points! I think the hard thing is when you call and they cannot do anything. I have seen this happen several times. Without concrete evidence, often they will not even investigate.
Martha, I know that IS an issue. The lack of concrete evidence is one thing. I also think that LACK of enough good foster homes is another factor!
I’ve been a mandatory reporter, followed babies closely in at risk homes as an RN, and adopted an at risk baby myself. It is so important that people pay attention and follow through when it comes to these children.
These are such great tips that everyone should know — spreading the word, friend. Thank you for standing in the gap for some many!
Sharing, pinning, tweeting . . . .again and again.
Thank you, Marcy. It IS important information that we need to get out! Hugs.
thank you for sharing this important information! you are making a difference, tricia!
You’re welcome, Jennifer! Thank you!!
What an informative step-by-step post! Thank you for this!
You’re welcome, Rachel!
Tricia, so glad you had the opportunity to share your heart and knowledge with Nancy Grace and her audience. I love how God continues to use you and your story for His glory and for the benefit of children and families. Honored to share this because I believe it will reach the masses and raise awareness and compassion.
Erin, I’m ALWAYS surprised with the arena God puts me in. I know the because of my kids’ situation this is more tender on my heart.
We had reason to believe our ex-neighbors 4 children (3 different dads, only one of whom she was married to) were being abused. Called CPS twice, police numerous times, and they did nothing. In the majority of cases like this, law enforcement does nothing. I’ve read a lot of stories (like this) where the child either dies, or is found in horrible, horrible conditions and every time both CPS and the police had been called numerous times and had done nothing because “there wasn’t a problem.”
Samantha, I’m so glad you made the call. I hope those kids are okay! It’s amazing how easy it is to “play a good part” when CPS or the police show up. I’ve even talked to my (now) kids’ CASA worker. She went on visits and for the most part things looked good … then the truth came out. I hope those kids are still okay. I also think that we need to keep following up, even when people don’t listen. Thank you for trying! I know that if you have the opportunity you’ll keep trying!