Child Abuse Prevention
The Center for Family Safety and Healing is dedicated to preventing child abuse, supporting family well-being, and promoting safe, thriving communities.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of preventing child abuse and supporting families. While we focus on these efforts during April, it is vital that we work together year-round to protect children and strengthen our communities.
Every child deserves the right to grow up in a safe and healthy environment.
Featured Resources
Creating Healthy Digital Boundaries
Do your kids understand how far is too far online? Explore tips for setting healthy digital boundaries.
- 700 Children’s – Healthy Digital Boundaries for Kids Blog
- 700 Children’s – Healthy Digital Boundaries for Teens Blog
- For Kids (Click to view handout)
- For Teens (Click to view handout)
- For Caregivers (Click to view handout)
Practicing Positive Discipline
Effective discipline teaches children appropriate behavior and emotional regulation. Explore safe and effective strategies for discipline.
Free Virtual Learning
Access online, self-paced parenting courses designed to address child behavior and emotional self-regulation.
- Triple P Online (Positive Parenting Program)
- Free online, self-paced parenting courses to help parents of children, pre-teens and teens address behaviors, promote new skills and help their children with emotional self-regulation. Click here to learn more.
Additional Prevention Resources
Explore these helpful resources to further prevent and address child abuse:
- How to Calm a Fussy Baby
- Setting Boundaries Between Kids and Adults: How Close Is Too Close?
- Starting a Conversation With Your Kids About Sexual Abuse
- Starting the Conversation About Big Feelings
- The “What If” Game: Gaining Insight Into How Your Child Thinks
- Preventing Child Abuse in Your Community: How You Can Help
Expert Insights
Hear from our experts about child abuse prevention in these recent media interviews:
- Safe Boundaries Interview – Diane Lampkins – Power 107.5, April 4, 2025.
Kristin Garton Crichton, DO, MPH – Good Day Market Place, March 31, 2025
- La Grande interview with Abigail Branco, Bilingual Community-based Clinician with the Family Support Program for Child Abuse Prevention Month – La Grande, April 8, 2023
- Urban One interview with Diane Lampkins, Training and Prevention Coordinator, and Daneisha Washington, Clinical Manager for the Family Support Program, for Child Abuse Prevention Month – Urban One, April 4, 2023
- What Matters with Mindy and Mikaela interview with Diane Lampkins, Training and Prevention Coordinator, for Child Abuse Prevention Month – iHeart Radio, April 2, 2023
Recognizing the Signs
Child abuse can manifest in many forms, and it’s important to recognize the signs.
What to Look For – Recognize, Respond, Refer
Recognize:
Learn to identify signs of physical, sexual, emotional abuse, and neglect.
Respond:
Stay calm and supportive if a child discloses abuse. In case of emergency, contact law enforcement or 911 immediately.
Refer:
Report to child protective services in your county or call the national hotline.
For County Agencies: Full Directory
Understanding Child Abuse: Types & Signs
Physical Abuse
Unexplained injuries like bruising, burns, or repeated injuries. Children may also display behavioral extremes or fear of their caregivers.
Sexual Abuse
Signs may include unexplained pain or injuries in genital areas, as well as behavioral changes such as aggression, promiscuous behavior, or withdrawal.
Neglect
Signs include poor hygiene, untreated injuries, constant hunger, or lack of supervision. Children may assume adult responsibilities or experience behavioral issues.
Emotional Abuse
Includes bedwetting, fear of failure, emotional regression, and changes in behavior or mood.
At least 1 in 7 children experience abuse or neglect each year, according to the CDC.
Get Help: How to Take Action
If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, it’s
important to act quickly. You can report anonymously to child protective
services at any time.
Report Child Abuse or Neglect
If you suspect abuse, don’t wait—immediate action can make a difference.
Franklin County Children Services Child Abuse Hotline
614-229-7000 24/7 hotline
Public Children Services Association of Ohio
Child Protective Agencies Directory by County
855-642-4453 (24/7 Ohio reporting line)
National Child Abuse Hotline
800-4-A-CHILD (800-422-4453) 24/7 hotline
The Center for Family Safety and Healing Child Assessment Center
614-722-8200 (8 a.m. – 5 p.m. M-F)
If you need immediate medical attention, please go to the Emergency Department at Nationwide Children’s Hospital