FNEP personnel who see child abuse or neglect are to report it immediately. Abuse and neglect definitions according to MO law are:

Abuse: Any physical injury, sexual abuse, or emotional abuse inflicted on a child other than by accidental means by those responsible for the child's care, custody, and control except that discipline including spanking, administered in a reasonable manner, shall not be construed to be abuse.

Neglect: Failure to provide, by those responsible for the care, custody, and control of the child, the proper or necessary support and education as required by law, nutrition, medical, surgical, or any other care necessary for the child's well-being.

Here are instructions copied directly from the Department of Social Services website on what to do if you suspect child abuse or neglect: (you can go to their website directly at http://www.dss.mo.gov/cd/can.htm for these instructions and click on local DFS office to get the phone number/contact person for your local county office.)

What should you do when you suspect abuse or neglect?
CALL THE HOTLINE AT 1-800-392-3738. The Children's Division staffs this hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. They will take information from you and respond to child abuse and neglect. If you live outside Missouri and want to report abuse or neglect of a Missouri child, call (573) 751-3448.

HAVE COMPLETE INFORMATION
DFS needs specific information to be able to respond to a complaint of abuse or neglect. Be sure you have:

• The name of the child
• The name of the parent(s)
• The name of the alleged abuser
• Where the child can be located

You will also be asked:

• Is the child in a life-threatening situation now?
• How do you know about the abuse/neglect?
• Did you witness the abuse/neglect?
• Were there other witnesses and how can they be contacted?

CONSIDER IDENTIFYING YOURSELF
Although you don't have to identify yourself when you make a hotline call, being able to contact you later helps DFS workers do a more thorough investigation. They may need to ask you for more information during the investigation process.

For more information on the Family Nutrition Education Programs available, contact your local Missouri County Extension Center.