Parent orCaregiverSigns
- School appointments are frequently missed without good reason or explanation.
- The guardian lacks interest for the child or constantly uses violent language when referring to the child or youth.
Child Abuse and
Neglect Resources for
Teachers in Colorado
As a teacher, you help students grow academically and witness their achievements. Your daily interactions have helped you recognize when they are thriving, when they need extra support, and when something seems off. These child abuse and neglect resources for teachers in the classroom will help you recognize signs of abuse or neglect and guide you through the next steps, so you can be their voice.
If you work in education and suspect or know a child or youth is experiencing maltreatment, you are required by law to report those concerns to the Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline.
844-CO-4-Kids
How to Spot Signs of Child Abuse
& Neglect in the Classroom
Abuse and neglect in children and youth can impact their academic, social, and emotional performance in the classroom. As a mandatory reporter, you must learn to recognize the signs of abuse and neglect and make a report to the Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline when you are concerned.
To spot signs of child abuse and neglect in the classroom or at school, look for:
BehavioralSigns
- Behavioral changes in the classroom, including mood changes, lack of interest, and decrease in performance and grades.
- Increased absences from school, social isolation, withdrawal, loss of confidence or self-esteem.
PhysicalAppearanceSigns
- Unexplained injuries that don’t have a logical explanation or do not appear to be caused by typical play.
- Changes in the student’s weight, hygiene or attire.
EnvironmentSigns
- The student brings a weapon or drugs to school.
- The student displays violent behaviors towards classmates, school staff and/or school property.
Valid Reports Need Details
The information you provide when reporting concerns of child abuse or neglect to the Colorado Hotline is very important. Those details will assist county child welfare professionals in determining whether your report meets the legal definitions of “child abuse” or “child neglect” and contains sufficient details to locate the family involved.
- Information about the child or youth, including name, age and developmental stage
- Information about the family and any support system they might have
- The child’s home, school or child care address
- A narrative regarding your concern, including specifics about any injuries and their impact on the child
- Information about the family’s culture and their preferred language
Things to Consider
When Reporting Child
Abuse and Neglect
As an educator, you are legally required to report any concerns of child abuse or neglect to the Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline. However, when you are preparing a report regarding abuse and neglect concerns for one of your students, there are a few important things that you’ll want to consider. From the signs you’ve seen to the family’s awareness of the report, these child abuse and neglect resources for teachers and educators cover many important insights and considerations when filing a report. Give it a read today!
Download the Signs of Abuse andNeglect Resources for Teachers
Don’t Forget to
Involve Colleagues
and Your Employer
Before you report any concerns to the Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline, talk to other teachers and school staff about the student(s) you’re concerned about. They’re one of your best resources for child abuse and neglect concerns! If you’ve noticed something, it’s likely other educators and school staff may have seen similar signs of child abuse and neglect, and may share your concerns. If that’s the case, call the Hotline together to report your concerns.
According to House Bill 25-1188, you cannot delegate your duty to someone who lacks firsthand concern, suspicion or knowledge of the situation.
Following your employer’s procedures does not exempt you from reporting to the Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline. Your employer must comply with state law and regulations and cannot impede you from filing a report.
Reporting Dos and Don’ts for Educators
- DO trust you know your students.
- DO follow your school and district protocols.
- DO report concerns to the Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline within 24 hours of having a concern or knowing that maltreatment is happening.
- DO make the report to the Hotline even if you already reported to the school or district
- DO ensure/verify a report was made to either:
- Your county department agency
- The Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline: 844-CO-4-Kids
- Local law enforcement. If there is an immediate threat, dial 9-1-1.
- DON’T ignore your instinct that something needs to be reported.
- DON’T avoid or delay making a report because of district protocols.
- DON’T assume that someone else will notice the signs and report.
- DON’T feel like you should know the answer to every question you are asked when making a report.
- DON’T delegate your responsibility to call the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline.
Hear From
Teachers
Like You
In more than 95% of child welfare assessments of abuse and neglect, children and youth remain at home with their parents. Hear from other Colorado teachers and educators about their experience in reporting suspected abuse or neglect.
Sign Up For an Online
Training
Do you know what your reporting
responsibilities are as an
educator? What about as a
Mandatory Reporter? Take the
free online training for mandatory
reporters to learn more about
child abuse and neglect.
Training
Explore Child Abuse and
Neglect Prevention
Toolkits
It takes a village to raise a child, and it takes the whole community to prevent child abuse and neglect. Learn more about how you can prevent child abuse and neglect with other resources for teachers, educators, and school personnel.
Child Abuse & NeglectPrevention Toolkits