It is important to us that we take care of the children we babysit for at all times, not just when we are watching them but also seeing signs beyond the present moment. All sitters should be aware of and watch out for signs of child abuse and neglect. If you notice any of the following (or any other) signs of Abuse and Neglect, please email [email protected] immediately with information about what you have witnessed.

Signs of Abuse and Neglect

According to the Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Stanford Medicine website, signs to look out for that can be indications of Abuse and Neglect include:

• Unexplained injuries, such as bruises
• Extreme behaviors, such as excessive crying, truancy or running away
• Poor hygiene and unsuitable clothing
• Excessive fear of parent(s), caregiver(s) or going home
• Depression or excessive crying
• Poor peer relationships or inability to relate to children of the same age
• Sudden change in behavior
• Constant hunger, tiredness or lack of energy
• Attention-seeking behavior
• Lack of care of medical needs; wound care, medication
• Fractures, Dislocations, Bruising 
• Defensive injuries on forearms
• Bites – human bites are more superficial than animal, and show up better 2-3 days later
• Burns – (in 6-20% of abused children) cigarette, rope, immersion, or shape of hot object
• Depression, passivity
• Increased verbal abuse or physically aggressive behavior with others
• Destroys or injures objects or pets