It is important to recognize high-risk situations and the signs and symptoms of maltreatment. If you do suspect a child is being harmed, reporting your suspicions may protect him or her and get help for the family. Any concerned person can report suspicions of 
child abuse or neglect. Reporting your concerns in not making an accusation; rather, it is a request for an investigation and assessment to determine if help is needed.
The following signs may signal the presence of child abuse or neglect.
The Child:
- Shows sudden changes in behaviors or school performance
- Has not received help for physical or medical problems brought to the parents’ attention
- Has learning problems or difficulty concentrating that cannot be attributed to specific physical or psychological causes
- Is always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen
- Lacks adult supervision
- Is overly compliant, passive or withdrawn
- Comes to school or other activities early, stays late and does not want to go home
- Is reluctant to be around a particular person
- Discloses maltreatment
The Parent or other adult Caregiver:
- Denies the existence of, or blames the child for, the child’s problems in school or at home
- Asks teachers or other caregivers to use harsh physical discipline if the child misbehaves
- Sees the child as entirely bad, worthless or burdensome
- Demands a level of physical or academic performance the child cannot achieve
- Looks primarily to the child for care, attention and satisfaction of the parent’s emotional needs
- Shows little concern for the child
The Parent/Caregiver and Child:
- Rarely touch or look at each other
- Consider their relationship entirely negative
- State that they do not like each other
The above list may not be all the signs of abuse or neglect. It is important to pay attention to other behaviors that may seem unusual or concerning.