News > Child Abuse Prevention Month
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
Judge Baker Hotline is a Lifeline for
Children in Need
April 2005
Boston, MA – Somewhere in Massachusetts, a child is being abused by the one person who should care for her most. The following is that child’s true story.
Louise is a bright and smart 12 year old who lives with her uncle. On the outside Louise may look like any other 12 year old in her classroom. But behind closed doors, Louise’s home life is filled with horrific abuse at the hands of her uncle. Her life of physical and sexual abuse is her own secret, until Louse confides in a neighbor on her 12th birthday. The neighbor is filled with concern for Louise, but doesn’t know how to help or even if Louise’s story is true. The neighbor finds a number in the phone book, and places the call that will change Louise’s life forever.
The neighbor’s call rang to the Child-at-Risk Hotline. After receiving the neighbor’s suspicions, the Child-at-Risk Hotline initiated a coordinated investigation by child protective services and law enforcement. The allegations of abuse were thoroughly investigated and eventually found to be true. Louise’s uncle was prosecuted for physical and sexual abuse, and Louise was moved out of the horrors of her home, and into the safety of a relative’s care.
Answering a Cry for Help
Each April, child advocates across the country join forces to raise awareness of the terrible tragedy of child abuse and to promote specific ways we can all help to prevent these occurrences in our communities.
Working under the auspices of the Massachusetts Department of Social Services (DSS) since July 1982, Judge Baker Children's Center directs the Child-at-Risk Hotline, a statewide after-hours emergency response system. Each year, Judge Baker's highly trained staff responds to more than 140,000 requests for crisis intervention, information, or referrals.
Richard Young, the Director of the Child-at-Risk Hotline, states, “Each year over 100,000 children in Massachusetts are reported as being abused or neglected. The Child-at-Risk Hotline ensures children are protected all hours of the day and night.”
A 30-member staff is trained to assess the urgency of each call, elicit critical information, and provide a sympathetic ear. In situations where children are at imminent risk, an emergency response is initiated; with DSS field staff launching an immediate investigation, usually in partnership with law enforcement.
The Hotline operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with DSS Area offices fielding calls during business hours, and the Child-at-Risk Hotline covering the critical evening, weekend, and holiday hours. In January 1998, the Child-at-Risk Hotline expanded its reach, and now provides coverage for the entire state. The Hotline is part of the DSS automated FAMILYNET system, a comprehensive database that has improved access to and transmission of information.
The Child-at-Risk Hotline is a resource available to all community members and professionals who work with children. To report a situation where a child may be at risk for abuse or neglect, call the Child-at-Risk Hotline at 1-800-792-5200.
