To report abuse or neglect please call: (740) 653-4060 You can help heal the hurt: Here’s how The emotional and physical scars of child abuse and neglect can last a lifetime. Fortunately, all members of our community can play an active and vital role in stopping these tragic events and in helping Fairfield County Child Protective Services start the healing process. Report abuse or neglect when you suspect it – even if you’re not certain. Be the eyes, ears and conscience of our community. If you see any of the following signs of abuse or neglect, call 740-653-4060 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. After hours, call the Fairfield County Sheriff at: (740) 653-5223 to have them page Child Protective Services.There is no need to wait until the next day or until the weekend is over – we are always here for your call. Call us if a child:
Child abuse and neglect can happen to anyone, and it is important for you to know how to recognize it and what to do. There are four types of child abuse and each type has behavioral and physical indicators.
It is important for you to know how to recognize child abuse. Each type of child abuse has behavioral and physical indicators. Emotional Abuse: Continual attitude or acts, which interfere with a child's psychological or social development. Emotional Abuse Physical Indicators:
Act that results in non-accidental injury or threat of harm to a child. Physical Abuse Physical Indicators:
Any sexually natured act upon or with a child. Sexual Abuse - Physical Indicators:
Dependency: through no fault of the parent, the child lacks parental care. Family In Need of Services (FINS): request has been made for Child Protective Services to provide assistance to the family. Types of cases include:
First and foremost, to protect the child. The intent of the law is not to hurt or to punish; it is to get help to children and families in need. We all have a stake in the protection of Ohio's children. The emotional damage which may result from child abuse or neglect often is vented through self-destructive expressions, such as substance abuse, running away, prostitution, or suicide; and anti-social expressions such as rape, murder, and continuation of child abuse and neglect. Confidentiality Child abuse and neglect cases are considered confidential by law. The law also does not allow Child Protective Services to give you the name of the person who made the report of child abuse or neglect. According to OAC 5101:2-33, each report and assessment/investigation of alleged child abuse or neglect is confidential and may be shared only when dissemination is authorized by this rule. The identities of the referent/reporter and any person providing information during the course of a child abuse or neglect assessment/investigation shall remain confidential. The identities of these individuals shall not be released or affirmed by the PCSA to any party except for those listed below, without the written consent of the individuals involved. The PCSA shall inform the referent/reporter and any person providing information that a subpoena for judicial testimony may be issued if court intervention is deemed necessary. The PCSA shall release the identity of the referent/reporter and/or persons providing information only to the following persons or entities:
A mandated reporter is a person who is required by law to report suspicions or knowledge of child abuse and neglect. According to ORC 2151-421, a person who is acting in an official or professional capacity as mentioned below, has reasonable cause to suspect that a child under 18 or a physically impaired child under 21 has suffered or faces a threat of suffering abuse or neglect shall immediately report the knowledge or reasonable cause to the Public Children Services Agency (PCSA). The information you provide will be kept in strict confidence and can always be given anonymously. Questions & Answers How old does my child have to be before she can be left at home without a babysitter? This is different for every child as it depends upon the developmental level of the child and how prepared she is to handle an emergency or be safe while home without an adult or other responsible party. There are many things to consider prior to making the decision to leave any child unsupervised. Am I allowed to use physical discipline? Many families choose to use physical discipline as a parenting technique. However, there are many other tools that may serve parents more effectively. The purpose of discipline is to provide a teaching opportunity for a child to learn. The risk of injury to a child during the use of physical discipline, particularly with the use of an extension of the hand (belt, paddle, switch, etc.), is much greater. How do I know if I should report child abuse/neglect? If you believe a child is at risk of abuse or neglect, please call 740-653-4060, child welfare professionals will assess each call and determine what level of response is needed. It takes a community to protect a child. What is abuse? Abuse represents an action against a child. It is an act of commission. Generally, abuse is categorized as follows:
What is neglect? Neglect is failure to act on behalf of a child. It is an act of omission. Inadequate or dangerous parenting practices often result in neglect. Neglect may not produce visible signs and usually occurs over a period of time. Generally, neglect is physical or emotional in nature. Physical Neglect: Failure to meet the basic requirements for a child's physical development such as supervision, housing, clothing, medical attention, nutrition, and emotional support. Emotional Neglect: Failure to provide the emotional support or affection necessary to a child’s psychological and social development. Does Child Protective Services establish paternity? Child Protective Services does not establish paternity. Individuals wishing to establish paternity should contact Fairfield County Child Support Enforcement Agency. For more information on being a foster or adoptive parent please phone Fairfield County Child Protective Services at 740 653-4060 and request to speak with someone in the Foster Care/Adoption Unit. |
Child Protection |