Child Abuse Prevention and Safety Resources for EMS Professionals

The following resources are intended for Texas EMS professionals or others who are required by the Texas Family Code to report abuse. When in doubt, remember to let Child Abuse Hotline experts make determinations. Always be sure document information about a call.

Child Abuse Prevention

Reporting Child Abuse

If you suspect abuse, call Texas Child Protective Services at 800-252-5400. 

• Child Protective Services
• Texas Family Code 261.103 requires health professionals to report suspected child abuse. Texas Family Code 261.103 defines where the report must be made
• Texas statutory definitions of child abuse and neglect

Recognizing signs of child abuse

• Questions to ask in identifying indicators of abuse
• Risk factors for child mistreatment
• Who abuses and neglects children
• Behavioral indicators of abuse
• Emotional injuries to children
• Recognizing Sexual Abuse
• JEMS October 2011 Article- EMS Providers Can Identify Child Abuse

Child Abuse Resources- Texas

Keep Children Safe Poster

• English Color- PDF Document | English B&W- PDF Document
• Spanish Color- PDF Document | Spanish B&W- PDF Document

Programs

• Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas supports children’s advocacy centers (CACs) in partnership with local communities and agencies investigating and prosecuting child abuse.
• Help and Hope provides parents the necessary tools for improving their family's well-being.
• Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) Program  contracts with community-based programs and agencies to expand the available opportunities to maximize the potential of children and families in Texas communities. PEI manages programs that help prevent child abuse and other bad outcomes, helping communities identify and meet their needs.

Child Abuse Resources- National

Publications

• Prevent Child Abuse America- produces many publications that are available to download or purchase directly from the HFA Program web site.

Programs

• The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000 pediatricians committed to the attainment of optimal physical, mental, and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.
• The Children’s Bureau supports programs, research, and monitoring systems that prevent child abuse and neglect while ensuring that children who are victims receive treatment and care.
• The National Children’s Advocacy Center models, promotes, and delivers excellence in child abuse response and prevention through service, education, and leadership.
• Shaken Baby Alliance provides support for victim families and professionals, prevention of child abuse, and justice for the innocent victims.

Child Safety

Safety Programs- Texas

• Safe Kids Austin consists of more than 30 community, civic, and state organizations. The Coalitions’ initiatives include classroom-based programs and educational events for families. There is a focus on promoting safety in vehicles, around water, and while walking and biking.
• Safe Riders Traffic Safety Program provides helpful information about child passenger safety. Links to related local and national websites are available on their website.
• Think Child Safety is an injury prevention program assisting in the reduction of injuries and death among children. The program teaches children safety skills and then provides constant re-enforcement by exposing children to visual reminders and opportunities to practice these skills.
• The DSHS Audiovisual Library has various EMS materials/videos available on loan. Call 512-776-7260 for information.
• Room to Breathe campaign provides information on safe sleeping practices for infants.
• Vehicle Safety & Hot Cars: Look Before You Lock provides information on what you can do to ensure that all children safely exit the vehicle after every trip.

Safety Programs- National

• National Child Safety Council provides educational materials on a wide range of topics.
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration- Parent Central provides information and resources for keeping kids safe when they are on the move. 
• Safe Kids Worldwide works with an extensive network of more than 400 coalitions in the United States and with partners in more than 30 countries to reduce traffic injuries, drownings, falls, burns, poisonings and more.