What to Do If You Suspect Daycare Abuse

If you could, you would be with your child every day rather than leaving them behind in daycare. But it is essential to work to support your family, and daycare becomes a necessary tool to meet your goals. Knowing it’s unavoidable doesn’t make it any easier, however.

And the situation becomes even more painful and anxious if you think your child may be subjected to abuse or neglect during the day while in care. So what should you do in that case? You don’t want to overreact, but at the same time, you know it is vital to protect your child physically, mentally, and emotionally from the damage that can occur while they are so vulnerable.

We can’t provide legal advice in a blog. However, if you contact us for a free, confidential consultation, we can discuss your options in detail. Here are some general factors to consider.

Recognizing the Signs

Abuse and neglect can occur in numerous ways. Moreover, because every child is unique, they each respond to problems differently. It is important to pay attention to your child and trust your own judgment. You know your child better than anyone else, and if you think something’s wrong, it is wise to follow your instincts and investigate.

Some signs that can be a sign of abuse or neglect in daycare include:

• An increase in the number of bruises or scratches (could indicate that staff are too rough or are allowing other children to hurt your child)
• Recurring diaper rash or “accidents” (could indicate that a child’s toileting needs are being neglected)
• Extreme separation anxiety or fear of a specific caregiver
• Sudden behavioral regression, such as thumb-sucking or bedwetting
• Uncharacteristic aggression
• Staff refusing to allow parents to visit unannounced or to view class video footage
• High staff turnover at the daycare facility

In addition, if your child shows signs of discomfort regarding their private areas or, conversely, they suddenly become much more open about exposing themselves, that could be a sign of sexual abuse.

One sign on its own may not be significant, although it never hurts to investigate. If you are seeing more than one sign or a severe problem, then it is wise to take steps to secure your child’s safety.

Prioritizing Health and Safety

The actions most appropriate for protecting your child’s health and well-being will depend on the situation. If your child has been hurt or you suspect physical abuse has occurred, then it is wise to take your child to the doctor for a thorough medical exam. Make sure the doctor and other medical professionals understand your concerns so they know what to look for and can document any signs of injury.

Getting a medical exam as soon as concerns arise gives you evidence you can use later, if necessary. If the exam reveals no signs of abuse, it is still a good idea to continue to be vigilant for signs of negligent or emotional abuse.

Try to keep records of as much information as possible. This includes writing or recording what your child says about their experience in day care and what representatives from the facility tell you. Take photos of any bruises or other injuries and make notes about the dates and times. If other parents or children have expressed concerns or said anything relevant, make a note of it.

Do Not Confront Caregivers

It is not a good idea to confront the director or staff with accusations until you have secured evidence. You may ask questions, but it is wise to avoid doing something that could cause staff to panic and start changing records or deleting video footage.

Instead of dealing directly with those in charge, it is usually more beneficial to work through an attorney experienced in handling allegations of daycare abuse. Your attorney can take legal steps to secure video footage and other evidence that the facility is not likely to willingly hand over on its own.

Report the Suspected Abuse to the Proper Authorities

Texas law requires anyone who suspects child abuse to report it. (In some states, only people like teachers who work with children are required to make reports, but in our state, that obligation extends to everyone.) So, to protect your own interests as well as those of your child and other children in the facility, you need to take appropriate steps to report the suspected abuse or neglect. The suspected abuse should be reported to either the police, any law enforcement agency, or the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

If a problem with a daycare center does not involve suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation but instead involves other problems, concerns should be reported to the Child Care Regulation section of the Texas Health and Human Services department. A report can be submitted regarding issues such as a lack of cleanliness, inappropriate staffing ratios, or other factors that could cause problems but have not yet led to abuse or neglect.

When a Lawyer Can Help

Daycare abuse and neglect can result in lasting physical, mental, and emotional harm to a child that impacts that child’s development. It can take years of therapy and treatment to overcome the setbacks, and there is no way of knowing what lasting scars the child will carry throughout their life to come.

Investigation by a state agency may lead to changes or penalize the owners of the facility, but the official investigation will not provide any assistance to the children directly affected by the abusive treatment. However, an experienced personal injury attorney can build a case to obtain compensation through insurance or other sources. This compensation can help the family provide support for the child’s recovery and future needs.

Learn More About the Help DeKeyzer Law Can Provide in Daycare and Elder Care Abuse Cases

When someone has been entrusted with the care of a vulnerable child or adult, and they fail to live up to their obligations, the suffering can be immense. It is only fair to hold the person who allowed the abuse to occur responsible for the harm they have caused.

At DeKeyzer Law, we know how to fight effectively for justice and resources to meet the needs of families dealing with the aftermath of abusive situations. For a free consultation to discuss the ways we may be able to help, call us at 713-904-4004 or contact us online today.