Where do you turn if you suspect physical abuse at your child’s daycare? Call our attorneys at (214) 651-6100.
The threat of daycare physical abuse is real. When dealing with a possible situation of daycare abuse or child care neglect, there is always the devastation of fear and panic over the thought that something awful may have happened to your child. Conversely, one must be careful before beginning to make accusations on little to no proof. A good starting point is to trust your instincts, at least as it pertains to your child.
If you suspect daycare physical abuse or neglect and have a bad gut feeling, the best course of action is to remove your child from the center, if possible, until you are comfortable with the situation. At that point, you can begin to focus on investigating what may be happening to your child and speaking to professionals before moving on to lay blame.
If you have serious and legitimate concerns about daycare neglect or childcare abuse of any kind, you should immediately contact the local authorities and/or child proactive services. Also, if you suspect daycare physical abuse and/or sexual abuse or injury, you should seek immediate medical assistance from your child’s physician or an emergency room. Once you know your child is safe, contact our experienced daycare physical abuse lawyers to discuss all legal options.
Our entire legal team is focused on one word: You. You are the most important part of our practice: you, your family, your suffering, your livelihood, and your needs. Let us put our passion for helping others to work for you.
Red flags
Some red flags and changes in your child’s behavior should give you pause as to whether daycare physical abuse may be occurring. Some potential warning signs may consist of the following:
- Changes in your child’s night time habits – more frequent bed-wetting, nightmares, fear of going to bed, or other sleep disturbances;
- Changes in your child’s toilet habits;
- Changes in your child’s behavior – Does your child act out inappropriately? – You’re your child hit or strike other children or act rebellious?
- Does your child’s teacher, director, caregiver, or staff fail to answer your questions, fail to address your concerns, or fail to follow-up with you?
- Are there any mechanisms in place for parental involvement?
- Is your normal happy child now outwardly unhappy or depressed?
- Does your child come home with multiple unexplained accidents?
There are many other signs and symptoms that you as a parent must be concerned about if you suspect daycare abuse or neglect. You know your child best and should not hesitate if you suspect they are being abused in any form.
Our daycare abuse lawyers can help!
Our daycare physical abuse lawyers have handled many different cases of child abuse and we are dedicated to getting you and your child the justice you deserve. We pride ourselves on our ability to handle complex daycare physical abuse cases and will do everything we can to ensure no other children suffer. Contact our firm today to discuss your situation. All consultations are free and come with no obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if my child has been abused?
Some apparent signs of possible abuse or neglect to be aware of are physical injuries such as bruises, broken bones, abrasions, burns, etc. Among the less evident indicators are sudden changes in a child’s behavior; a normally quiet and calm child may begin to lash out or a usually lively child can become withdrawn. A child who abruptly begins to put up a struggle about going to daycare is also a cause for concern and should be investigated.
How can I tell if my child has been abused?
Some apparent signs of possible abuse or neglect to be aware of are physical injuries such as bruises, broken bones, abrasions, burns, etc. Among the less evident indicators are sudden changes in a child’s behavior; a normally quiet and calm child may begin to lash out or a usually lively child can become withdrawn. A child who abruptly begins to put up a struggle about going to daycare is also a cause for concern and should be investigated.
What are the signs of daycare abuse in infants?
Infants are far more likely than older children to be victims of daycare abuse; however, they are often silent victims. Unlike older children, babies are unable to tell an adult that they are scared, hurt, or anxious.
In some cases, a parent may see visible signs of injury such as bruises, burns, black eyes, cuts, or abrasions. Young babies rarely injure themselves, but it is quite normal for older infants to experience the occasional injury as they explore the world. Frequent or severe injuries or injuries in unusual locations may be a sign of physical abuse. There may also be behavioral signs.
A baby that is abused at a Dallas daycare may show a sudden fear of people of a certain gender, or people with a physical appearance similar to the abuser (for example, women with long blonde hair). They may cry when being dropped off at the childcare facility or they may show fear when separated from a parent.
A baby who has been abused by a daycare provider may:
- Show signs of shaken baby syndrome, including glassy eyes, lethargy, rigidity, irritability, decrease in appetite, difficulty feeding, or vomiting
- Suddenly cringe from or shun a parent’s affections; alternatively, the infant may become excessively clingy
- Show a sudden change in personality; an outgoing, happy baby may become fussy or withdrawn
- Have a change in appetite
- Have difficulty sleeping
- Regress to past behaviors
- Lose skills
A baby who has been sexually abused at a daycare may:
- Have bleeding or bruising around the genital area
- Have a sudden fear of bathing or diaper changes
- Cry when put in a seated position or lose the ability to sit (because of pain)
- Experience pain when walking
- Suffer from urinary tract infections
More signs of daycare abuse.
If you have any concerns about the possibility of abuse, don’t delay action. Your child’s well being is at stake. Discuss the injuries with your pediatrician and contact your local police department to discuss your concerns.
When you are ready, contact a Dallas daycare abuse attorney. A lawsuit can help you hold your daycare provider accountable for the abuse and may protect other children. To learn more, request our free guide, Preventing, Discovering & Acting on Claims of Daycare Abuse, or contact Rasansky | McKenzie Law at (214) 651-6100.
What are the signs of physical abuse at daycare?
In far too many cases, physical daycare abuse goes unchecked in Texas because children are not able to tell their parents what is happening to them. Because young children often do not have the ability or understanding to report daycare abuse, it is all the more important for parents to look for the signs of physical daycare abuse:
- Your child flinches when you raise an arm.
- Your child experiences sleep disturbances.
- Your child has unexplained bruises or other injuries.
- Your child suddenly becomes withdrawn.
- Your child suddenly changes behavior or becomes aggressive.
- Your child voices excessive fear of going to daycare.
- Your child’s behavior regresses – they become very clingy.
See more: Signs of Abuse in Daycare
What are the signs of sexual abuse at daycare?
Sexual abuse at daycare can be absolutely devastating – and in many cases, parents ask themselves why they didn’t know that there was a problem sooner. Children are often too young to tell their parents about sexual abuse, or else they have been threatened by their abuser not to tell. Be sure to look out for the red flags of daycare sexual abuse:
- Your child suddenly becomes withdrawn.
- Your child’s behavior regresses to infant-like actions, such as clinging.
- Your child begins displaying inappropriate sexual behavior.
- Your child shows an unusual interest in sexual topics.
- Your child shows abnormal sexual knowledge.
- Your child becomes inordinately fearful of certain people or places.
- Your child becomes anxious about attending daycare.
- Your child displays sleep disturbances and nightmares.
What are the signs of emotional abuse at daycare?
While most parents are familiar with stories of physical abuse and even sexual abuse at daycare, they may be less familiar with emotional or mental abuse at a daycare. However, emotional and verbal abuse over an extended period of time can lead to very serious and long-term psychological trauma.
Some behavioral indicators of daycare emotional abuse include behavioral problems (such as cruel behavior toward other people or animals), habit disorders (such as rocking or head-banging), age-inappropriate behaviors (such as wetting or soiling) and behavioral extremes (listless one moment and overly aggressive the next).
Some physical indicators of emotional abuse could include a significant change in weight, developmental disorders, and nervous disorders.
See more signs of daycare abuse.
Speak With a Dallas Day Care Child Abuse Attorney For Free
The attorneys at Rasansky | McKenzie Law are happy to speak to you about your potential case free of charge. If we can help with your claim, we’ll do so for no out-of-pocket cost to you. Call us 24/7 at (214) 651-6100.
