Text Box: About Child Abuse and Neglect… New Hampshire state law, RSA 169-C, the Child Protection Act, states that any person who has reason to suspect that a child under the age of 18 has been abused and/or neglected must make a report to the Division for Children, Youth and Families. 1-800-894-5533 Being a parent is one of the toughest jobs there is. What makes it so hard is not only the frustrations that parents face in raising their children, but also the isolation and life stressors that parents can feel. Generally, parents want to do what is best for their children, but they may become overwhelmed and strike out at their children. The prevention and identification of child abuse and neglect is a community issue and one whose solution relies heavily on the cooperation of all community members. We must all work together to protect our greatest resource: our children and families. New Hampshire state law RSA 169-C, states that any person making a report in good faith is immune from any civil or criminal liability. It’s better that you make your concerns known to DCYF than to remain silent and possibly allow a child to remain unprotected. Remember, it is the responsibility of DCYF to assess the information you provide about the family. What is Child Abuse and Neglect? Child abuse may be physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Child neglect can take many forms. Physical abuse may result in harm to a child caused intentionally or by non-accidental means. Examples may include: bruises, welts, human bite marks, bald spots; burns, cigarette burns, or immersion burns; fractures, lacerations, or abrasions. Emotional abuse is psychological injury to a child indicated by excessive belittling, berating, name-calling, and emotional difficulty when the parent does not secure needed psychological treatment for a child. Sexual abuse is improper sexual conduct with a child or any form of exploitation with a child. This may include sexual victimization among children, pornography, or incest. Neglect is the failure to provide a child with basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, hygiene, medical attention, control, supervision, or education as required by law. Examples may include: abandonment; and parental drug and alcohol abuse. There may be circumstances which may result in abuse or neglect of a child that would not fit in the above examples.