MDHHS reminds Michiganders that child abuse is preventable

Preventing child abuse is a community responsibility that needs involvement from all Michiganders, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says.

Gov. Rick Snyder proclaimed this month as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Michigan, the 32nd year that April has had that official designation.

MDHHS is reminding people they can help protect children from abuse and neglect. “Michigan’s children can be protected through the power of one person, one community, one dollar or one action,” said Michael Foley, executive director of the Children’s Trust Fund, a nonprofit within MDHHS to prevent child abuse and neglect.

Michigan had 23,813 confirmed cases of child abuse or neglect in fiscal year 2015.

Residents can work as a community to create healthy environments for raising children, Foley said. They can also promote preventive factors to strengthen families – including family resiliency, social support systems, nurturing and attachment and knowledge of parenting and child development. Or they can donate money to prevention efforts and report suspected abuse or neglect using an anonymous state hotline that is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The toll-free number in Michigan is 1-855-444-3911. The hotline is available to everyone, including the general public and mandatory reporters such as teachers and health professionals who are required to report suspected child abuse or neglect.

“Tips from the public are crucial in identifying situations in which children are being harmed or are at risk,” said Steve Yager, executive director of the MDHHS Children’s Services Agency. “Once we are alerted, we can take action to provide services to families to keep them together safely or, when necessary, petition courts to remove children from unsafe homes.”

For additional information on the Children’s Trust Fund, including how to donate online or on your Michigan tax form, visit www.michigan.gov/PreventChildAbuse.