You can take action and prevent child abuse no matter who you are. Knowledge is power. Learn what to do when you suspect a child is being abused, understand the meaning and reach out for help with a simple click. All of it is right here. 

The Idaho Children's Trust Fund provided us with a very easy-to-understand timeline that we read during a past Live for 175 events and now they have passed it along so that we can share it with you right here.

If you suspect abuse, it's not your job to prove it. It is your job to report it to the police or protective services.

The numbers to call are:

• 211
• 334-5437 (within the Treasure Valley)
• 855-552-5437 (statewide number)

Who is required to report child abuse?

Idaho law states that any person who has reason to believe that a child is being abused, neglected or abandoned MUST report this to your local law enforcement agency or the Department of Health and Welfare within 24 hours. Failure to do so could result in a misdemeanor.

What does Idaho law consider child abuse?

Physical abuse constitutes any physical injury to a child which has a cause other than accidental means, including any injury which appears to be inconsistent with the explanation given for the injury.

Physical neglect exists when their is failure on the part of the child's caretaker to provide necessities such as adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical treatment, or supervision.

Sexual abuse includes sexual acts and exploitation of a child.

Child Abuse Helplines

• Advocates Against Family Violence Crisis Line - (208) 459-6279
• Idaho Careline - 211 or 1-800-926-2588
• Idaho Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence -1-888-293-6118 or www.idvsa.org
• Idaho Domestic Violence Hotline - 1-800-669-3176 or www.ywcaidaho.org
• Idaho Mental Health Crisis Hotline - 208-334-0808 or 1-800-600-6474
• Idaho Suicide Prevention - 1-800-564-2120 or www.spanidaho.org
• Women’s and Children’s Alliance Domestic Violence Crisis Line - 208-343-7025
• Women’s and Children’s Alliance Rape Crisis Line -208-345-7273

Treatment Providers

• CARES (St. Lukes) 208-577-4460
• FACES Family Advocacy Center 208-577-4400 or www.adacountyfaces.com
• Idaho Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health 208-433-8845 or www.idahofederation.org
• Jefferson Street Counseling 208-385-0888
• SANE Solutions (Terry Reilly) - 208-345-1170 or http://www.trhs.org/services/behavioral-health/sane/
• Terry Reilly Health Services (Counseling) - 208-467-4431
• Women’s and Children’s Alliance - 208-343-7025 or www.wcaboise.org

How do you talk to kids of all ages? This resource from the Idaho Children's Trust Fund walks you through normal milestones as you age and the "red flags" identifying abnormal reactions and signs of abuse. Click HERE to follow the entire guide.