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Warning-sign checks

Child maltreatment: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Emergency assessment is also needed after a recent serious assault or if the child may be in immediate danger.

    Statements about suicide, a suicide attempt, severe self-harm, or threats to harm someone else require immediate crisis or emergency support.

    Do not leave the child alone while arranging help.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent help if the child develops worsening pain, repeated vomiting, unusual sleepiness, confusion, weakness, breathing problems, new bleeding, or signs of a serious infection.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up should address more than the original injury.

    The care team may monitor healing, growth, development, sleep, school functioning, emotional health, and the child's sense of safety.

    Repeat imaging or laboratory testing is sometimes needed, depending on the findings.

    Routine follow-up may involve a primary care clinician, specialists, therapists, social workers, child protection professionals, and school staff.

    Sharing information should follow privacy rules and focus on the child's care and safety.

The article also says

Children receiving mental health treatment may need ongoing visits to review symptoms and adjust the care plan.

Caregivers should tell the clinician about new fears, nightmares, regression, aggression, withdrawal, self-harm, or major changes in school performance.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Child maltreatment. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.