How to Help Prevent Child Abuse

Know the signs and symptoms of abuse
Read the brochure ‘It Shouldn’t Hurt to Be a Child.’ This document explains how to identify possible abuse or neglect. If you identify behaviors or injuries that indicate possible child abuse or neglect, it is important to call and make a report. Calling to file a report doesn't mean the child will automatically be removed from the home. It does mean that a trained professional will evaluate the situation and investigate the concerns as appropriate and according to Colorado law. The family may need help. The family may want help. Your call may help them get help. Call the child protection hotline at 242-1211 or 911 in an emergency.

Help an at-risk youth.
Children who grow up in struggling families often face real challenges when they become teenagers. These children are at high risk of dropping out of school, getting into trouble with the criminal justice system, abusing alcohol or drugs and ultimately raising their own children in unhealthy environments. You can help break that cycle by becoming a mentor. It only takes three hours a week for one year, and the return on your investment could result in healthy families for generations to come. For more information call 245-5555.

Help an at-risk family. If a child had never been exposed to a foreign language we would never expect them to speak that foreign language as an adult. Yet we expect children who were abused and neglected as children to suddenly be able to be healthy parents as adults. They may need someone to help teach them. That’s where Faith Partners and the Adult Mentor Program come in. Both programs match volunteers with families who are struggling. For information about how you can volunteer with Faith Partners call 243-2484. For information about how you can volunteer with the Meth Taskforce’s Adult Mentor Program call 683-2678.

Become a Foster Parent. There is a growing need for more foster parents to provide a safe and nurturing temporary home for children and teenagers. Because we have all kinds of kids, we need all kinds of families-- married, single, home owners or apartment dwellers. Income or marital status does not matter. What matters is your willingness to provide a safe place for a child while the parents learn new skills. For more information about becoming a foster parent call InfoLine at 244-8400.

Support a Foster Parent. If you are not reay to commit to being a foster parent and providing care for abused or neglected children full time, conside volunteering to support a foster family by providing respite child care to give them a break. Call 244-8400 for more information.

Advocate on behalf of abused children. Abused children often have no one to speak for them. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) are volunteers who are trained to speak in court on behalf of children who are the victims of abuse. No special knowledge or experience is required. Training and ongoing support is provided. For more information call 242-4191.