The importance of community involvement is being stressed during the month of April, which Governor Bob Riley has proclaimed as Child Abuse Prevention Month.
In fiscal year 2005, statewide, the Department of Human Resources (DHR) investigated approximately 19,000 reports of child abuse and neglect. The investigations were prompted by reports from vigilant community partners who notified DHR of possible threats to the health and safety of Alabama’s children.
"We count on our community partners to alert us when there is a possible threat to a child’s well being," state DHR Commissioner Page Walley said. "Our protective service workers are conscientious professionals who investigate these reports with the child’s safety as their top priority," Commissioner Walley said.
DHR’s child welfare staff works closely with law enforcement officials and with mandated reporters such as teachers, doctors and other medical personnel in investigating these reports.
In some cases, the protective service worker encounters an angry parent or relative who demands to know who reported the suspected abuse or neglect to DHR. Privacy laws prohibit the release of information about specific cases, including the name of the person who made the report.
To report suspected abuse or neglect, contact your County Department of Human Resources or local law enforcement authorities.