Please choose from the following tools and resources.

Definitions of Child Abuse
Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse
Internet Safety
Child Abuse Prevention
DCAC Partners

Definitions of Child Abuse
It is important that all professionals or adults learning about child abuse utilize the definitions enforced by the State of Texas. To read the legal definitions of child abuse, please visit the Texas State Family Code.

top...

Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse
To learn more about the following, please view the DCAC Recognizing & Reporting Booklet:

• Legal definitions of each kind of child abuse
• Statistics regarding child abuse locally and nationally
• Signs/Symptoms of child abuse
• Effects of abuse
• Questions to ask a child if you suspect child abuse
• Tips for handling a disclosure of abuse
• Instructions for reporting suspicions

Protective Factors (PDF)
Child Protective Services (Texas Department of Family and Protective Services)

top...

Internet Safety

The Internet has changed the way we work, learn and communicate. Children and adolescents are on-line for multiple hours a day. We will never be able to take away their use of the Internet completely, but we can educate ourselves about what is really happening there and encourage our kids to use this resource wisely. Here is what we know about the dangers of the Internet.

• Many adolescents develop relationships with adults online - fully aware that they are not talking to other teens.
• Teens intentionally seek-out adult relationships when they feel confused or curious about something. If they don't think they can talk to parents, they will find someone else and it will most likely be someone on the Internet who is willing to talk to them about hard topics.
• Predators seek out kids online who...
  • Spend several hours a day on the Internet
  • Use age identifiers in their screen names or e-mail addresses
  • Post comments, pictures or blogs that indicate any curiosity in sex
  • Seem desperate for someone to talk to

The following resources are available to help you learn more about the dangers on the Internet.

DCAC Internet Safety Handout
DCAC Internet Safety Postcard
NetSmartz
Safeteens.org
Safekids.org
Connectsafely.org
isafe.org
Stopcyberbullying.org

Net Cetera: Chatting with Kids About Being Online- Published by the FTC

top...

Child Abuse Prevention
How can you help prevent child abuse?  Here are some actions you can take to help children and their parents.

Be a good example.
When children misbehave, let them know that you dislike what they did, not who they are.
Don't hit your kids; violence teaches violence.
Apologize when you're wrong.
Say "I love you" more often.
Reward good behavior.
Show them you respect their instincts - if they say "no" to a hug or other touch, respect that.

Reach out to neighbors or relatives with children.
Offer to babysit to give them a much-needed break. Listen. Sometimes, just being able to express anger and frustration helps ease tensions. Go shopping with a parent and child. Children are usually better behaved when their adults are happier and more relaxed. Invite a parent to go jogging or bowling or golfing. Exercise helps relieve stress.

Praise and encourage the children you know.
Mean words can make a child feel worthless, ugly, and unloved, and the hurt can last a lifetime. So be positive. Tell a child you're proud of her and why. Stick up for her; don't let others tease or make fun of her. Smile. Let her know she is important to you. Say, "You're terrific. I like you!"

Take action...don't wait for someone else to do it!
Arrange for a speaker on child abuse and neglect to come to your PTA, church, club, or workplace. The more we all know about abuse and neglect, the more we can do to stop it.  Schedule a DCAC Speaker.

Organize safety systems for your neighborhood.
Arrange for neighbors who are at home most of the day to watch out for children on their way to and from school. Set up "safe houses" where children can go if they feel threatened or afraid. Participate in a telephone network for neighborhood children who are home alone after school and need help, advice, or reassurance.

Work in a daycare center.
Volunteer your time in a daycare center that serves abused and neglected children. Work with your church, club, or organization to form a partnership with a childcare center that serves low-income children.

Be a mentor.
Help a pregnant teenager learn parenting skills. Or be a mentor to a pre-teen through one of the school mentoring programs.

Learn more about child abuse and child abuse prevention.
Teach others. Plan an adult education program in your church, club, or organization to inform people about children's needs. Open your group's facility to local education programs for parents.

Understand which children are most likely to be abused.
Although child abuse occurs in all racial, ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic groups, physical abuse and neglect are more likely among people living in poverty. Children who are most likely to be abused are children who are mentally retarded, premature, unwanted, stubborn, inquisitive, demanding, or have a disability.

Learn to recognize the signs of abuse.
Know the signs of neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse listed at the bottom of this page. Know them.

Report suspected child abuse and neglect.
Call 1-800-252-5400 or your local law enforcement agency if you think a child is being neglected, sexually abused, or physically or emotionally abused. Children are hardly ever abused only once. If you suspect it, you must report it. That's the law. Reporting suspected child abuse makes it possible for a family to get help. Note: Other states may use (512) 834-3784 to report abuse or neglect that has occurred in Texas.

Dallas Children's Advocacy Center Education Program
Prevent Child Abuse Texas
Prevent Child Abuse America

top...

DCAC Partners
Child Protective Services (Texas Department of Family and Protective Services)
Dallas Police Department
Dallas County District Attorney's Office
Children's Medical Center, REACH Clinic