Child abuse: why should I report it?

In Indiana, dental professionals are mandated by law to report suspected child abuse and neglect to Child Protective Services (CPS) or the law enforcement agency in their county. The penalty for non-reporting is fine and/or jail. This article will give dental professionals information on child abuse injuries that can be identified in the dental office, how to talk to the child and family members regarding suspicions, and how to report those suspicions to your local CPS or law enforcement agency. Dental professionals will receive reassurance and encouragement from this article to report suspected cases of child abuse to CPS or law enforcement. The report is not meant to be punitive, but is intended to get the family connected to services to assist them, the child, and any other children they have or may have in the future, to avoid further abuse, and to attempt to break the cycle of abuse. To report suspicions of child abuse in Indiana, dial: 1-800-800-5556.