Prevent Abuse and Neglect through Dental Awareness
Are you reporting abuse? Reporting is a call for help, not an accusation
Knowing how, when and what to report about child abuse and neglect may make a life or death difference for a child. The importance of protecting children is so great that Colorado law mandates that dentists and dental hygienists who work with children and families to report suspected abuse and neglect. In fact, Florida law now mandates that all dentists and hygienists take at least one hour of continuing education training in domestic violence to remain licensed.
If you suspect a child may be abused or neglected, you MUST report the conditions to your local child protective service agency. It is NOT your responsibility to investigate or determine if a child is abused before you report. All you need is “reasonable suspicion” that maltreatment has occurred. You need to use your own best judgement and present information to determine if the child has been harmed or is in danger.
All states have laws that protect the reporter of suspected abuse from legal liability as long as the report was made in “good faith” and not maliciously. Anonymous reports can be made in all 50 states, but are discouraged as they impede the agency’s ability to gather critical information.
Call these Children’s Protective Services Agency county hotline numbers if you need to make a verbal report. From there you will be given information on filing a written report:
Adams County: (303) 412-5212
Arapahoe County: (303) 636-1750
Clear Creek County: (303) 679-2365
Denver County: (303) 727-3000
Douglas County: (303) 688-4825
Elbert County: (719) 621-3149
Grand County: (970) 725-3331
Gilpin County: (303) 582-5444, ext. 106
Jefferson County: (303) 271-4131
Summit County: (970) 668-4100
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