Child Maltreatment

Child Maltreatment

Protecting Children Through Reporting and Training

Mandatory abuse reporters are professionals who are legally required to report any suspected child abuse, neglect, or maltreatment. In North Carolina, anyone who suspects a child is being harmed must report it. Certain professionals, such as teachers, health care staff, child care providers, counselors, social workers, and employees or volunteers in residential or institutional settings, have an additional responsibility to report concerns immediately. The goal is to protect children, and failure to report can result in legal consequences.

Report Child Abuse or Neglect 

  • If a child is in immediate danger, Call 911 or contact law enforcement right away so emergency responders can take action.
  • Reports should be made to the DSS office. 
    During regular business hours: Call 252-902-1112  or After Hours & Emergencies Call 252-830-4141
  1. Common Signs
  2. Mandatory Reporting
  3. Training

Spotting Early Red Flags in Children’s Behavior and Health

Children show signs of abuse or neglect in different ways, and no single behavior confirms that harm is happening. Still, certain patterns can be warning signs that a child may need support. Understanding these red flags can help adults notice concerns early and take appropriate steps to protect a child’s well-being. These signs do not always mean abuse is occurring, but they may indicate that a child needs attention or that further support is necessary.

  • Unexplained injuries: Bruises, burns, cuts, or marks that cannot be clearly explained or appear often.
  • Changes in behavior: Sudden fearfulness, withdrawal, aggression, or acting out in unusual ways.
  • Regression of skills: Loss of skills the child previously used, such as toileting, speech, or social interactions.
  • Fear of certain places or people: Hesitation or strong reactions when around specific individuals or settings.
  • Changes in eating or sleeping: Sudden nightmares, difficulty sleeping, overeating, or loss of appetite.
  • Poor hygiene or unmet needs: Ongoing issues with cleanliness, lack of appropriate clothing, or signs that basic care is not being provided.
  • Inappropriate sexual behaviors or knowledge: Behaviors or comments that are not typical for the child’s age or developmental stage.
  • Chronic absences or frequent injuries: Repeated injuries, repeated illnesses, or ongoing absences without explanation.
  • Changes in school or child care performance: Difficulty focusing, falling behind, or sudden changes in engagement.