Reporting Child Abuse
Do you know of a child who might be at risk of abuse?
Abuse is defined in Maryland law as:
“the physical or mental injury of a child by any parent or other person who has permanent or temporary care or custody or responsibility for supervision of a child, or by any household or family member, under circumstances that indicate that the child’s health or welfare is harmed or at substantial risk of being harmed; or sexual abuse of a child, whether physical injuries are sustained or not. Sexual abuse is defined as any act that involves sexual molestation or exploitation of a child by a parent or other person who has permanent or temporary care or custody custody or responsibility for supervision of a child, or by any household or family member.”
The Special Victims Unit of the State’s Attorney’s Office is responsible for prosecuting crimes against children including physical and sexual child abuse, child trafficking and abduction, and internet crimes against children.
Please help us protect children who might be at risk. The Howard County Child Advocacy Center (CAC) is open and ready to help kids in need. If you suspect possible child mistreatment or abuse, we’re urging you to call the Department of Social Services at 410-872-4203 during business hours. After hours, call 410-313-2929 or email HCPDcrimetips@howardcountymd.gov. Callers CAN remain anonymous. If you have urgent information, please call 911.
Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) are child-friendly facilities where child sexual abuse victims and their families receive support throughout the process of investigation, prosecution, and healing. The Maryland Children’s Alliance is an association of the Child Advocacy Centers of Maryland.
Please view the following video to learn more about the types and signs of abuse:
ONLINE RESOURCES:
https://dhs.maryland.gov/child-protective-services/reporting-suspected-child-abuse-or-neglect/
https://marylandcasa.org/reporting-suspected-child-abuse-or-neglect/
https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2010/family-law/title-5/subtitle-7