Mrs.+Keith

Important Telephone Numbers

ABUSE 1) The __first number__ listed, which also has a catchy number that I have been able to remember for years : "1-800-96-ABUSE," is the main number of which you call to report a case of suspected abuse or neglect. 2) The __second number__ (1-800-500-1119)is designated strictly for suspected domestic violence cases. Most cases involving us, is a child reporting that they've witnessed domestic violence in the home. This was added to our "call reasons" approximately 12 years ago, due to the research indicating that there is a strong link between the cases of battered parents and their own children being physically abused as well. 3) The __third number__ (904-632-0600) is for First Call, which is our basic source of information and referral within our community. If you, a student or a family has any concern at all, this is a great link to our local area agencies and resources. All you/they would have to do is make this call, and the assistant on the line will be able to direct them to the appropriate phone number/website/address. have their blue ER card available and CUMULATIVE folder __**
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 * Most importantly though, for those of you who have never made an abuse hotline call before or who have not had to make a call in many years, __I would like to offer__ to make that call for you (with you and me both in my office), so that you can see how this process works. If I'm not available at that particular minute of which you discover the abuse (i.e., detained in a parent conference, observing a student in class, etc), this is okay. I would hopefully be available within that hour to make that call with you. You'll be amazed at the in-depth questions the phone counselor will be asking you. There is nothing better than "learning from modeling," so I think this would put many of you more at ease with this process. If you have any questions about the above, please feel free to contact me. I'm also hoping that DCF will be able to provide us soon with an updated brochure, which outlines our FL state statutes, indicators of abuse, as well as more specific and updated guidelines as to how to make these calls.