The Department of Human Resources (DHR) is responsible for investigating reports of child abuse and neglect, but DHR relies upon its community partners to notify the agency of suspected maltreatment of children. "“The protection of the child begins with the filing of a report, which is investigated by our county staff," state DHR Commissioner Dr. Page Walley said today. "Child safety is always the top priority."
Some reports come from private citizens; others come from mandatory reporters such as teachers, doctors and other medical personnel. The importance of community involvement is being highlighted during April, which Governor Bob Riley has proclaimed as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Alabama. In fiscal year 2006, statewide, DHR investigated more than 19,000 reports of child abuse and neglect.
Commissioner Walley noted that certainty is not required in order to make a report. “If there is a reasonable suspicion that a child is being abused or neglected, you should file a report,” he said. Privacy laws prohibit the release of information about specific cases, including the name of the person who made the report.