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Kentucky

All Kentuckians are mandated reporters. If you believe a child is being abused or neglected, call the Child Protection Hotline.

1-877-KYSAFE1 or 1-877-597-2331

For contact information in other states, please visit our Report It page.

Additional Support:

Child help: National Abuse Hotline:
1-800-4-CHILD
or 1-800-422-4453

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Face It® Friday: 13 Tips for a Spook-tacular & Safe Halloween

Face It® Friday: 13 Tips for a Spook-tacular & Safe Halloween

It’s almost Halloween! As kids take to the streets dressed as their favorite superheroes, princesses, and scary creatures it is our duty, as adults, to ensure a fun and safe holiday. Check out our 13 tips to keep kids safe this Halloween:

1. Avoid letting your kids trick-or-treat alone. Have your children walk in groups or with a trusted adult (children under age 12).

2. Stick to familiar territory. By trick-or-treating in your own neighborhood, you are more likely to know the people handing out candy. It also helps prevent children from getting lost.

3. Never enter the home of a stranger. Even with a trusted adult, children should never accept an invitation inside a stranger’s home.

4. Halloween can be tricky for children with food allergies. It’s important that parents and caregivers closely examine Halloween candy to avoid a potentially life-threatening reaction. Neighbors can help out by offering treats that are free from common allergens.

5. Teach your children to never approach a vehicle or accept a ride from a stranger.

6. Check the sex offender’s registry ahead of time. You can use the Family Watchdog’s national search, found here.

7. Work as a team. If trick-or-treating with a large group of children, ask a trusted friend to tag along and help you keep the kids in your care safe.

8. Ensure your child is easy to see by adding reflective tape or stickers to their costume. Children and parents should also bring along a flashlight with fresh batteries.

9. Save money and create memories. Halloween is a great way to get creative with your kids. Use items you can find around your house and spend quality time with your kids crafting the perfect costume.

10. Remember, not all children are ready to be scared. Many kids, especially those of a younger age, are not developmentally ready for a haunted Halloween. Instead, focus on the fun aspects of Halloween, such as dressing as their favorite television character or attending family-friendly events and parties for all ages.

11. Be flexible. Trick-or-treating can be a fun, yet stressful, time for parents and caregivers.  Be sure to take deep, calming breaths and remember that kids are kids.

12. Celebrate National Brush Day. After all of the candy, the day after Halloween is the perfect time to talk with your kids about the importance of a good oral hygiene routine. To learn tips and tricks to good oral hygiene and to take the pledge, visit the website here.

13. Most importantly, HAVE FUN! Halloween can be a wonderful time to make memories your family can cherish for a lifetime!