Reporting:

North Carolina law requires all persons must report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect.

To report child abuse, call the Rockingham County Department of Social Services Hotline at 336-342-3537. Dial 911 if a child is in immediate danger.

When you make a report to the Department of Social Services, they will ask you a series of questions. It is okay if you do not know all the answers- tell them as much as you know. It is their job to work with local law enforcement to conduct a thorough investigation.

Recognizing Child Abuse

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. There are many reasons a child may not want to go home on a particular day or 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, or at most call your local Child Protective Services agency. It is also important to remember that issues related solely to poverty are not considered child maltreatment issues.

The 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
  • Has 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
  • Comes to school early, stays late and does not want to go home
  • 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, conferences or home visits
  • Denies the existence of or blames the child for problems in school or at home
  • Asks the classroom teacher to use harsh physical discipline if the child misbehaves
  • Sees the child as 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
  • Has a history of abuse as a child

Law Enforcement:

There are six Law Enforcement Agencies in Rockingham County.  The appropriate agency to contact will depend on where you live.  If you are uncertain call the Rockingham County Sherriff’s Department and they will advise you.

  • Rockingham County Sheriff’s Department 336-634-3030
  • Reidsville Police Department 336-349-1010
  • Eden Police Department 336-623-9755
  • Stoneville Police Department 336-573-9862
  • Madison Police Department 336-427-0221
  • Mayodan Police Department 336-548-6038

Child Protective Services:

If you suspect that a child has been a victim of abuse and neglect you are mandated by North Carolina Law to make a report.  It is not up to any of us to determine if abuse is actually occurring.  If you suspect-Call!  The Department of Social Services will determine if there is need for them to investigate or if necessary refer it to the appropriate agency.

Department of Social Services Phone Number is 336-342-1394.
Child Protective Services Hotline: 336-342-3537.

Other Community Resources:

  • Partnership for Children 336-342-9676
  • Help For the Homeless 336-548-9533
  • Pregnancy Care Center 336-623-5540
  • Youth Services 336-342-5756