After a video went viral showing a mom allegedly abusing a toddler, many asked why more wasn't being done.
The Colorado Department of Human Services says they can't comment on specific cases to protect the confidentiality of children and families potentially involved, and because of Colorado statute.
However, CDHS officials said if you witness a child in a life-threatening situation, call 911 immediately.
If it is not an emergency, call the Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-844-CO-4-KIDS (1-844-264-5437).
The hotline was created in January 2014. In the first 15 months of operation, our partners at the Denver Post reported that the hotline received more than 54,000 calls.
"Generally those are calls about neglect," Joe Homlar of Denver Child Welfare Services said. "Children coming to school without a meal, children coming to school with dirty clothing or unsupervised the night before."
If you're concerned about a child, some of the warning signs to watch for include:
- Unexplained injuries
- Changes in behavior
- Fear of going home
- Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
- Inappropriate sexual behaviors...
Overall, child advocates say trust your instincts and that suspected abuse is reason enough to contact authorities.
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