Child Protection
Learn about the program
Report child abuse or neglect in Mesa County
- Call 970-242-1211
- All calls are confidential and your privacy is protected by Colorado State Law
- 24 hours a day / 7 days a week
- Make the call - there is no right or wrong answers
Consider the possibility of neglect when a child
- Lacks needed medical or dental care
- Is frequently absent from school
- Begs for or steals food or money
- Lacks sufficient clothing for the weather
- States that there is no one home to provide care
- Lacks adult supervision, abandonment
- Shunned by peers
Consider the possibility of abuse when a child
- Discloses maltreatment
- Is reluctant to be around a particular person
- Shows sudden changes in behavior or school performance
- Has unexplained bruises or injuries
- Reluctant to change clothes
- Complains or soreness, moves uncomfortably
- Unexplained injuries/wounds/bruises
Questions to consider when calling
- Names, Address, Phone, grade, gender, school
- Explain the danger/harm & complicating risks
- Child info-(tell us about the child/ren)
- What are the family supports or community resources
- Protective behaviors of parent or caregiver
- The culture within the child's home
- What have you done to intervene?
- What actions do you want Child Protection to take?
Signs of abuse or neglect
- Emotional abuse: Constant criticism, threats, or rejection, as well as withholding love, support, or guidance.
- Physical abuse: Non-accidental physical injury (ranging from minor bruises to severe fractures or death) inflicted by a parent or caregiver.
- Sexual abuse: Fondling a child’s genitals, penetration, incest, rape, sodomy, indecent exposure, and exploitation through prostitution or pornography.
- Neglect: Failure of a parent, guardian, or other caregiver to provide for a child’s basic needs.
- Institutional abuse: Maltreatment caused by employees of an institution where the child resides.
Additional information
Child Welfare - Notice of Rights and Remedies for Families
Child Welfare - Notice of Rights and Remedies for Families - Spanish Version