Fathers play a critical role in providing their children with safe home environments that are free from abuse and neglect. All children deserve a chance to grow up unafraid.

The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act defines child abuse and neglect as:

  • Any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation; or
  • An act or failure to act which presents and imminent risk of serious harm.

According to the US Department of Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, there were 9,406 reported victims of child abuse in Colorado out of a child population of 1,180,525. Signs of child abuse and neglect may include:

The child:

  1. Shows sudden changes in behavior or school performance
  2. Has not received help for physical or medical problems brought to the parents' attention
  3. Has learning problems (or difficulty concentrating) that cannot be attributed to specific physical or psychological causes
  4. Is always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen
  5. Lacks adult supervision
  6. Is overly compliant, passive, or withdrawn
  7. Comes to school or other activities early, stays late, and does not want to go home
The parent:
  1. Shows little concern for the child
  2. Denies the existence of, or blames the child for, the child's problems in school or at home
  3. Asks teachers or other caretakers to use harsh physical discipline if the child misbehaves
  4. Sees the child as entirely bad, worthless, or burdensome
  5. Demands a level of physical or academic performance the child cannot achieve
  6. Looks primarily to the child for care, attention, and satisfaction of emotional needs

Recognizing Child Abuse: What Parents Should Know. Prevent Child Abuse America. ©2003.

If you know of a child who is being abused or neglected, please call – 1.800.4.A.CHILD (1.800.422.4453). This is the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline.

For more information about child abuse and available resources, please visit one of the following links:

Parenting and Caregivers - Helpful Resources from the Kempe Center (PDF File)

The Children's Hospital Calm A Crying Baby Campaign
Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) is a very serious form of child abuse and is the diagnosis given to the many serious or fatal injuries or disabilities that can occur when an infant or young child is violently shaken. In the US last year, more than 1,200 children were treated for SBS and 20 percent of them died from their injuries. This Web site provides parents with important prevention tips for SBS as well as information on available resources throughout Colorado.

The Kempe Center
For more than 40 years, The Kempe Center has provided treatment and therapy for abused and neglected children, trained medical staff to protect children and inform caregivers of the dangers or child abuse and worked with public policymakers on child abuse legislation. This site contains resources for parents and caregivers looking for help.

Colorado Division of Child Welfare
Go here for a list of frequently asked questions regarding child abuse and information on child welfare services available throughout Colorado.

Prevent Child Abuse America
This organization implements child abuse prevention advocacy campaigns throughout the United States. Their site will connect you to local chapters as well as the latest research on the effects of child abuse.

Prevent Child Abuse America - Colorado Chapter

Child Welfare Information Gateway
A clearinghouse of information on child abuse prevention and resources to promote healthy families.

Founding Fathers
The Founding Fathers Campaign began in 2003 with 350 men committed to ending violence against women and children. The campaign allows fathers to make their own commitment to end violence and provides funds to organizations throughout the country to implement specific non-violence campaigns.