Report It

icon-kentucky

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

TEXT ALERTS!

Text Alerts Square

-or-

Sign up Online

 

It’s Almost 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. Kids 12 and under, should be accompanied by an adult. 
  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. Walking in groups and in well-lit areas can prevent separation and accidents.
  3. 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. Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and Trick-or-Treat bags for greater visibility.
  4. Use candles with care. Place candlelit pumpkins on a sturdy surface away from curtains and other flammable objects. Never leave candlelit pumpkins unattended.
  5. For homeowners handing out treats: Turn on outdoor lights, and replace burnt-out bulbs. Remove items from your yard or porch that might trip a child. Sweep wet leaves from your steps and driveway to prevent falls.
  6. Never enter the home or vehicle of a stranger. Even with a trusted adult, children should never accept an invitation inside a stranger’s home or vehicle. 
  7. Check the sex offender’s registry ahead of time. You can use the Family Watchdog’s national search, found here.
  8. Alternatives to traditional trick-or-treating. Local community centers, schools, churches, and shopping malls offer Halloween activities and often have trick-or-treat nights for young children in a more controlled environment. Another option is planning a Halloween night at home with themed games and movies. Invite friends.
  9. Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.
  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 T.V. character or attending family-friendly events and parties for all ages.
  11. 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 Kentucky Oral Health Coalition’s website here.
  12. Be flexible. Trick-or-treating can be a fun, yet stressful time for parents.  Be sure to take deep, calming breaths when needed and remember that kids are kids. 
  13. Most importantly, HAVE FUN! Halloween is a great time to make memories!