How to Document Concerns About Child Abuse or Neglect

Child abuse is a horrific crime and millions of children become victims each year. Child abuse can occur in many ways. Neglect, physical abuse, emotional abuse and sexual abuse are the four main categories that child abuse falls under. If you think that a child that you know is being abused in any way, it is your responsibility to report it to the proper authorities.

1. Keep track of all of the information pertaining to the incident. It is important that you right down the exact date and time of the incident. Mixing up or confusing the dates can cause problems later on down the line.

2. Be truthful. When you are writing down what happened, do not embellish the situation at all. Stick to the facts and write down exactly what occurred. Make a note of how many injuries the child sustained and who was the cause of the injury. Describe the child's injuries with as much detail as possible (i.e. size of the bruise, shape and color). Do not lie and do not exaggerate the situation in any way.

3. Take statements from everyone who was involved in the incident. This would be the caregiver and the child. Write down everything that they say and do not add anything to the verbal exchange.

4. Contact someone from your local child protection services agency and inform the worker of the situation. He or she will prompt you on what to do next. Make sure that you get the worker's name, title and contact number for future reference.

5. Sign and date your entries. Make sure to include the time on the form as well. Send it to the appropriate authorities.