If you suspect abuse or neglect, report it any time day or night online or by calling 855-444-3911.

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​It is the legal responsibility of NEST staff members to report situations where a child's health and safety is endangered. Use the following tools to help understand and report child abuse and neglect.

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Determining when to report suspected child abuse or neglect can be difficult. A bruise on a toddler's forehead may be the result of learning to walk or the result of abuse. When in doubt, contact the Executive Director or the local MDHHS office for consultation.

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• Mandated Reporting: Early childhood professionals are legally obligated to report all suspected cases of child abuse. Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect does not require concrete proof but is based on suspicion. It is encouraged that teachers report suspected abuse and neglect to the Director. Refer to the Mandated Reporter's Resource Guide for assistance in identifying and reporting child abuse and neglect.

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• Written Reporting Procedures: Our Child Abuse & Neglect Policy is to promote good physical and emotional health in children and to report situations where a child's health and safety is endangered. Every Nest staff member is a mandatory reporter and receives annual training. The Executive Director/Director will have the primary responsibility for determining if the suspected child abuse and neglect incident should be reported. All reported or unreported incidents must be addressed promptly (within 24 hours) and should be documented on Child Abuse & Neglect (CAN) Report* and placed in the child's file.  

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• Staff Training: Training is crucial and required for all staff to recognize and respond to suspected abuse. During onboarding and annually thereafter, each staff member should complete Child Abuse and Neglect Training as required by licensing and provide a signed copy of Child Abuse & Neglect Affirmation^ for their employment file. For continued professional development, staff should also be provided with preventative training on:
  • Identifying Signs of Maltreatment​
  • Coping with Challenging Behaviors
  • Abusive Head Trauma/Shaken Baby Syndrome
  • Understanding Reporting Laws

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• Preventative Measures: Additionally, the following Nest strategies help to prevent abuse and neglect, such as:
  • Conducting comprehensive background checks for all staff and volunteers.
  • Implementing active supervision practices.
  • Performing daily checks of children at drop-off.
  • Using environmental features like cameras and door buzzers.
  • Establishing clear visitor sign-in procedures.

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• Prohibited Behaviors: Our Zero Tolerance Child Abuse & Neglect Policy^ is reviewed and signed by all staff. The policy prohibits inappropriate caregiver and teacher behaviors, including physical, psychological, or emotional punishment. 

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• Investigation and Support: Staff are required to cooperate with investigations by child protective services and child care licensing. Directors are required to investigate all claims of abuse and neglect and make the final determination to report.

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It is important to note that if a child discloses abuse; 1) it is extremely important to let the child speak in their own words, 2) capture as much detail including the child's emotional state, gestures and facial expressions and what was happening at the time the child revealed the abuse on the CAN Report and 3) DO NOT confront the alleged abuser. Our only responsibility is to gather as much information and report it!!

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Please be sure to complete the Child Abuse & Neglect Report and notify the Director before reporting child abuse and neglect to state. 

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 * File in Children's File

^ File in Employee's File