844-CO-4-KIDS

As a teacher, you spend more time with children than almost any other adult outside their family. This puts you in a unique position to recognize signs of abuse or neglect and take action to protect children.

Your Role as a Mandatory Reporter

In Colorado, all teachers and school officials are mandatory reporters. This means you are legally required to report suspected child abuse or neglect to the Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline.

Signs to Watch For

Physical Signs

  • Unexplained injuries or bruises
  • Flinching at sudden movements
  • Wearing long sleeves in warm weather
  • Frequent absences from school

Behavioral Signs

  • Sudden changes in behavior or mood
  • Withdrawal from friends or activities
  • Age-inappropriate sexual knowledge
  • Fear of going home or specific adults

Signs of Neglect

  • Poor hygiene or inappropriate clothing
  • Frequently hungry or tired
  • Lack of needed medical care
  • Reports being left alone

How to Report

If you suspect abuse or neglect, call 1-844-CO-4-KIDS (1-844-264-5437) immediately. You do not need proof — reasonable suspicion is sufficient. Do not investigate on your own or confront the suspected abuser.

If Not You, Then Who?

CO4Kids is the Colorado Department of Human Services' statewide initiative to provide awareness about Colorado's child welfare system. It focuses on educating the public about the signs of child abuse and neglect, while raising awareness about the Hotline (844-264-5437) to report concerns related to a child or youth. CO4Kids also strives to strengthen families as a means of preventing abuse and neglect from happening in the first place, helping all Colorado kids have a safe environment. Finally, the campaign is committed to recruiting and retaining foster and adoptive parents, so that when an out of home placement is unavoidable, a child has a safe place to thrive.

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