By Jeremy Vishno, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
Thousands of children are abused and neglected every year in the State of Connecticut. The United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Children’s Bureau reported that 13,285 incidents of child abuse took place in 2004. You can read more about these statistics and more at Connecticut Child Abuse and Neglect – Solutions to Save Lives and Prevent Crimes This figure represents the official number of incidents. Child abuse experts suggest that the actual number of abused and neglected children may actually be 3 times higher than this figure.
Tragically, children are abused and neglected in and outside of the home. The abuse and neglect can be physical and / or psychological in nature. Day care centers and child care centers are often times overloaded with children and lack competent and caring staff members to handle the special needs of young children. Many toddlers and infants cannot use their voices to report abuse and neglect and are often the silent victims of unreported or unseen incidents of abuse and neglect. It is important for families, extended families, teachers, friends, and others in contact with children to be aware of unexplained injuries, fractures, lacerations, eye injuries, facial injuries, bruises, and welts that appear to be suspicious in nature. Children, whether they are under the care of a parent, neighbor, friend, family member, or day care / child care center, are entitled to be cared for in a safe and decent living environment. If there is a suspicion of abuse or neglect, the Connecticut Department of Children and Families should be contacted. In addition, it may be helpful to consult with a Connecticut child injury attorney to discuss your the rights of the abused and neglected Connecticut child.