Each Summer Reports to the Colorado Child Abuse Hotline Drop: Kids Need Champions

In Colorado, many schools begin summer break in mid-May and resume in early August. For some kids, this means time to rest, play and explore. But for many parents and caregivers, summer brings extra challenges – like finding affordable summer camps or child care, providing extra meals or juggling work schedules. These added pressures can increase the risk of child abuse and neglect.

That’s why kids and families need champions this summer. A champion is a caring and trustworthy adult who steps in, speaks up and helps families get the support they need before problems arise.

Champions can be anyone: neighbors, relatives, friends, community members, coworkers and even employers. Whether it’s by calling the Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline 844-CO-4-Kids (844-264-5437) when concerned about a kid’s safety or offering a helping hand when a family needs extra support, anyone can be a champion in protecting children and youth.

Champions in Action: Mandatory Reporters Make a Difference

In Colorado, each summer calls to the Hotline drop. This decline doesn’t happen because there aren’t instances of child abuse and neglect; it happens because teachers, school counselors and administrators, who are mandatory reporters, are no longer in daily contact with children and youth.

In 2024, the Hotline received over 118,000 referrals, of which more than 70% came from mandatory reporters. During summer break, these referrals decreased by 25%.

School officials are not the only professionals mandated by law to report concerns of child and abuse to the Hotline. There are more than 40 professions who are mandated by law to report any concerns for the safety of a child or youth. Some of these professions include:

Law enforcement,
Health professionals,
Firefighters,
Veterinarians,
Pharmacists, and
Dentists.

Mandatory reporters can learn more about their obligation at the CO4Kids.org and take the free online training that can help them to understand more about the signs of abuse and neglect.

Be Their Champion: Be their Voice

Calling the Hotline when something seems wrong is not only the responsibility of mandatory reporters but of any Coloradan who is concerned about a child’s safety. To make a report, callers should provide key information, such as:

Name of the child or youth,
Home address,
A narrative of why the caller suspects child abuse or neglect may be happening, including specifics about any injury and impact on the child.

When someone makes a call, child welfare professionals review the report and analyze whether the information indicates child abuse or neglect. If they identify concerns, an evaluation occurs where they visit the family, evaluate the situation, and connect them with resources; in some instances, it may result in out-of-home placement in a foster home while safety concerns are resolved. However, in 96% of child welfare assessments or evaluations, kids remain home while professionals provide services to them and their families.

Champions Support Families at Home

For many families with kids, summer brings added financial and emotional stress. Some can’t afford summer camps, child care or even enough food for three meals a day. In these moments, families need a champion like you who can understand and support them.

Sometimes parents may consider leaving their child(ren) at home for short periods of time. As a champion you could help them to analyze if the child or youth is ready to be more independent. Some helpful questions parents and caregivers should ask themselves before leaving their child alone include:

Is the child at least 10 years old?
Is the child mature enough to be alone or care for younger children at home?
Does the child have any physical or mental challenges that might make it harder to act in emergencies?
Do they know what to do if a situation arises?
Is there a trusted adult nearby or an emergency plan in place?

On other occasions, parents and caregivers might consider relying on another individual to care or supervise their child. In this case, as a champion you can help them to consider the following:

Is this person 12 years or older?
Is this person mature enough?
Is this person mentally and physically able to take care of the children?
Is this person a trusted individual?
How does this person react in times of stress?
Can this person have the control of a situation and make appropriate decisions for the child’s well-being?
Does this person know First Aid or has experience taking care of other children?
How long will this person be supervising the child(ren)?

Champions Connect Families to Resources

You can also help families to connect them with professional support. These supports include:

Mental and physical Health
Child development
Parent groups
Domestic Violence Services
Drug abuse support

Employers are Champions Too

A champion in not only a friend, family member, neighbor or community member; employers can be a champion too. Employers can help by stepping in and allowing parents and caregivers to have more flexibility with their work schedules so they can better take care of their child, which could also mean spending meaningful time with them during this summer break.

Be a Champion for Colorado Kids

Anyone in Colorado can be a champion for children and youth. You just have to care about their safety and well-being. Whether you make a call, offer help to a family or check on them, your actions make a real difference.

Make this summer count. Stand up, speak out and be a champion for children and youth who need you the most.