April 16, 2020

by Erin Ortiz, Community Engagement Specialist

It is up to us to protect our community's most vulnerable ones. While we shelter in place during this year’s Child Abuse Prevention Month (April), this message from Family and Children’s Services is an important reminder:

“Children already at risk for abuse and neglect are particularly vulnerable during shelter in place. With local schools and child care centers closed, the trusted adults that children usually come in contact with are not able to interact with these vulnerable children as they normally would. 

“With that in mind, we’d like to get the word out to our community that our Child Protective Services (CPS) Hotline is still open, operational, and ready to take the calls of any person who knows or suspects that a child is the victim of abuse or neglect.”

If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, even if you don’t know for sure, call the CPS Hotline at (800) 856-5553 or (800) 606-6618. Click here for the Family and Children’s Services website.

MCRCC has counseling available for children who have been affected by any type of abuse or neglect. It is free of charge, and insurance is not required or accepted. We are currently enrolling new clients over the phone. For more information, call our business line at (831) 373-3955.

It's up to us to keep kids safe.