Prevent Child Abuse

Downeast Health Services is dedicated to the prevention of child abuse and neglect in our area. We work to create programs which help children and families live healthier lives. We provide education programs to children, parents, and professionals, and coordinate with schools, agencies and individuals to reach out to families in need.

You can make a big difference through small acts that help protect children, strengthen families, promote traits that help protect families—and, ultimately prevent the abuse and neglect of children.

Anything you do to support kids and parents can help reduce the stress that often leads to abuse and neglect. Simple acts can have a positive effect in the life of a child.

You can:

• Be a nurturing parent. Children need to know that they are special, loved and capable of following their dreams.

• Help yourself. When the big and little problems of your everyday life pile up to the point you feel overwhelmed and out of control—take time out. Don’t take it out on your kid.

• Be a friend to a child you know. Remember their names. Smile when you talk to them. Ask them what they think, how they are doing and commend them for their accomplishments.

• Help a friend, neighbor or relative. Being a parent isn’t easy—offer a helping hand, share your experiences and build a supportive spirit among each other.

• Give your used clothing, furniture and toys for use by another family. This can help relieve the stress of financial burdens that parents sometimes take out on their kids.

• Report suspected abuse or neglect. If you have reason to believe a child has been or may be harmed, call the Maine Child and Family Services 24 hour hotline at 1-800-452-1999.

By reporting suspected abuse or neglect, you are offering your voice to a child that may not have one. Too often, calls go unmade because people are hesitant to get involved. A report based on a genuine concern for the welfare of a child and the hope that a family may better a situation in order to provide the level of care the child deserves—is the reason to call.

If you are not sure your concerns are considered abuse or neglect, call anyway! The hotline staff are always willing to listen, help you evaluate and, if necessary, document your concerns. For more information, visit the State of Maine’s website.