"We’re mandated reporters under the statute," said CPS General Counsel C. Scott Romans. "That means that any time an employee knows of or suspects child abuse, the employee is required to personally report this to 241-KIDS."

Romans said employees should document the time they make the call to 241-KIDS, a local child-abuse hotline, and the name of the person who takes the report. Those who report child abuse or neglect should not try to gather proof by investigating suspected cases themselves – that’s the responsibility of the Children’s Services Division of the Hamilton County Department of Human Services, which will contact police as appropriate. The 241-KIDS hotline is operated by Children’s Services.

"The call is confidential, and the person reporting has immunity," Romans said. "The reporting person also has a right to follow up on the call to find out what action, if any, has been taken."

Although child abuse and neglect occurs in all segments of society, the risk is heightened in families where parents are isolated, abuse alcohol, have difficulty controlling anger or stress and seem to be having serious social or emotional problems. Providing support to such families and helping them link to social-service professionals can be a key in preventing abuse.