Child Protection
To report child abuse or neglect: in Mesa County (970) 242-1211
All calls are confidential and your privacy is protected by Colorado State Law
24 hours a day/7 days a week
Make the call- there is no right or wrong answers
Consider the possibility of neglect when a child:
- Lacks needed medical or dental care
- Is frequently absent from school
- Begs for or steals food or money
- Lacks sufficient clothing for the weather
- States that there is no one home to provide care
- Lacks adult supervision, abandonment
- Shunned by peers
Consider the possibility of abuse when a child:
- Discloses maltreatment
- Is reluctant to be around a particular person
- Shows sudden changes in behavior or school performance
- Has unexplained bruises or injuries
- Reluctant to change clothes
- Complains or soreness, moves uncomfortably
- Unexplained injuries/wounds/bruises
Questions to Consider when Calling
- Names, Address, Phone, grade, gender, school
- Explain the danger/harm & complicating risks
- Child Info-(tell us about the child/ren)
- What are the family supports or community resources
- Protective behaviors of parent or caregiver
- The culture within the child's home
- What have you done to intervene?
- What actions do you want Child Protection to take?
Signs of Abuse or Neglect
- Emotional Abuse: Constant criticism, threats, or rejection, as well as withholding love, support, or guidance.
- Physical Abuse: Non-accidental physical injury (ranging from minor bruises to severe fractures or death) inflicted by a parent or caregiver.
- Sexual Abuse: Fondling a child’s genitals,penetration, incest, rape, sodomy, indecent exposure, and exploitation through prostitution or pornography.
- Neglect: Failure of a parent, guardian, or other caregiver to provide for a child’s basic needs.
- Institutional Abuse: Maltreatment caused by employees of an institution where the child resides.
Additional Information
Mesa County Child Protection Hotline |
Department of Human Services Main Line (970) 241-8480 |
Colorado Child Protection Hotline 1 844-CO-4-KIDS |
Parent Help Line |
Welfare Fraud Hotline (970) 256-2421 |
Assistance Programs (970) 248-2849 |
Child Support (970) 248-2780 |
Western Colorado 211 2-1-1 or (970) 244-8400 |
Foster Parent Info Line (970) 248-2794 |
Workforce Center (970) 248-0871 |