1. It’s often really hard to know if a child is being harmed. Sometimes we may see it happening with our own eyes, but other times we may only see signs of what could be happening. Be aware of the signs of abuse and neglect, such as:
- Malnourishment, lack of personal hygiene.
- Unexplained bruises, welts or other marks.
- Significant changes in behavior, such as becoming withdrawn or fearful.
- Children who appear too young to be left alone.
- Home safety hazards or unsanitary conditions.
2. Familiarize yourself with the Child Supervision Guidelines. There are no laws in Virginia that say when or for how long a child can be left alone. Parents are ultimately responsible for making decisions about their children’s safety. Every child is different and must be assessed based on their maturity, skills and comfort level to be home alone. However, all Northern Virginia jurisdictions agree that children 8 years old and younger should always be in the care of a responsible person. Guidelines state that children this age should never be left unsupervised in homes, cars, playgrounds or yards.
3. Refer families to the Parent Support Line available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., at 703-324-7720. It’s a great resource for parents and caregivers, offering parenting advice, support and tips to help navigate emotional and relational parenting issues. They can also connect families to resources that might help them to navigate circumstances that complicate their ability to parent well. Language support is available.
4. If you have concerns about a child’s safety, call the Child Protective Services’ 24-hour hotline at 703-324-7400. You may give your name (confidentially) or remain anonymous.
5. Spread the Word about Free Virtual Body Safety Classes open to any Pre-K through sixth grade students living in Fairfax County. Using the Childhelp® Speak Up Be Safe curriculum, trained facilitators help children build safety skills, preparing them to identify and avoid risks such as child abuse, cyberbullying, and internet predators. Learn more about this program or register a child.
6. Children thrive when they have regular interactions with responsive, caring adults. These positive childhood experiences can help promote healthy brain development and build resilience in families. Unfortunately, neglect is the most reported form of child maltreatment, and it’s more likely in families who are overwhelmed with circumstances and experiencing an overload of stress. The most important thing we can do to help children thrive is to support families before they reach a crisis. You can make a difference by mentoring or volunteering with teens, being a safe and caring adult in a child’s life or providing support and encouragement to struggling parents. Learn how.
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