Source+Eight

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 * If you suspect that a child is being abused or neglected, or if you think a child may have died from being mistreated, you must report what you know to the [|county Department of Social Services.] This is the law([| N.C.G.S. § 7B-301]). Do not be afraid to report. As long as you are acting in good faith, you cannot be held liable ([| N.C.G.S. §7B-309]).
 * The following signs may signal the presence of child abuse or neglect. It is important to note that any one of these things could mean anything or nothing. For example, there are many reasons a child may not want to go home on any particular day, or a child may be overly compliant when they are trying to please a favorite teacher. However, when you have a cluster of two or more of these, this should raise a red flag to at least talk to the child and/or parent, and at most call your local Child Protective Services. It is also important to remember that issues related solely to poverty are not considered child maltreatment issues.
 * **If a Child:**
 * Shows sudden changes in behavior or school performance;
 * Displays overt sexualized behavior or exhibits sexual knowledge that is inconsistent with their age;
 * Has not received medical attention for a physical injury that has been brought to the parents' attention;
 * learning problems that cannot be attributed to specific physical or psychological causes;
 * Is always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen;
 * Is overly compliant, an overachiever, or too responsible;
 * to school early, stays late, and does not want to go home; or
 * Has unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, or black eyes;
 * Has bruises or marks in non-prominent, “fleshy” areas of the body (for example, inside of biceps or behind the knees);
 * Has fading bruises or other marks noticeable after an absence from school;
 * Seems frightened of the parents and protests or cries when it is time to go home from school;
 * Shrinks at the approach of adults;
 * Reports injury by a parent or another adult caregiver.
 * **The Parent or Other Adult Caregiver:**
 * Shows little concern for the child, rarely responding to the school's requests for information, for conferences, or for home visits; denies the existence of or blames the child for) the child's problems in school or at home; asks the classroom teacher to use harsh physical discipline if the child misbehaves; sees the child entirely bad, worthless, or burdensome;
 * Demands perfection or a level of physical or academic performance the child cannot achieve;
 * Offers conflicting, unconvincing, or no explanation for the child's injury;
 * Describes the child as "evil," or in some other very negative way;
 * Is abusing alcohol, prescription drugs or illegal drugs and that abuse is having an adverse impact on the child;
 * Uses harsh physical discipline with the child; or
 * Has a history of abuse as a child.
 * ==**Recognizing Child Neglect**==
 * The Child:**
 * Begs or steals food or money from classmates;
 * Lacks needed medical or dental care;
 * Lacks age appropriate adult supervision ;
 * Lacks clothing appropriate for the weather;
 * Reports family violence in the home;
 * Reports use of illegal substances or excessive use of alcohol by parents or caregivers (for example, to the point the parent passes out);
 * Abuses alcohol or other drugs; or
 * States there is no one at home to provide care.Source One