New website announced to help Maryland professionals spot the signs of child abuse

The men and women who work with children in Maryland have announced they have a new resource to help them protect children from child abuse.

A new website, supported by a grant from the Governor’s Office of Crime Control & Prevention, provides resources for mandated reporters, who are required by Maryland law to report signs of abuse and neglect in the children that they work with.

While mandated reporters are required to report child abuse, the website reportedly provides facts and information for anyone who comes in contact with children and should report suspected abuse to authorities.

“Our children depend on the adults in their lives to protect and care for them,” said Glenn Fueston, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Crime Control & Prevention. “This website will help us as a state to do our best to recognize when something is wrong, and to report our suspicions to the proper agencies.”

Officials say this website was created in partnership with the Baltimore Child Abuse Center, and can be used by anyone in Maryland who works with children, including teachers, social workers, athletic coaches, and volunteers in youth programs.

“We encourage everyone who cares about children to visit this new website,” said Adam Rosenberg, executive director of the Baltimore Child Abuse Center.

“The website has information on where to report suspected abuse in every county in the state. Besides tips on how to recognize and respond when abuse occurs, there are free online trainings for anyone-mandated reporters, parents, or concerned citizens-who want to understand how we can protect children from abuse or neglect.”

The funding for this program is reportedly from the federal Children’s Justice Act. The Maryland Children’s Justice Act Committee conducts a statewide assessment every three years to determine the state’s needs and makes funding recommendations to Crime Control & Prevention.