TNC Foundation

Child Safety

Children can be deeply affected by abuse, whether they experience it directly or witness it in their home. Abuse and neglect may place a child’s physical safety, emotional well-being, and healthy development at risk. Warning signs are not always obvious and may change over time. Recognizing early indicators and taking concerns seriously can help protect children and connect families to the support and intervention they need.

Warning Signs to Look For:

  • Unexplained injuries, frequent bruises, burns, or marks
  • Sudden changes in behavior, mood, or personality
  • Extreme fearfulness, anxiety, withdrawal, or aggression
  • Regressive behaviors such as bedwetting or thumb-sucking
  • Difficulty sleeping, frequent nightmares, or changes in appetite
  • Declining school performance or frequent absences
  • Age-inappropriate sexual knowledge or behavior
  • Reluctance to go home or fear of a specific person
  • Poor hygiene, inadequate clothing, or signs of neglect
  • Statements that suggest harm, fear, or feeling unsafe