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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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5 Ways Kentucky Businesses Can Help Prevent Child Abuse

Child abuse in Kentucky is a BIG problem. When thinking about child abuse, it impacts not just the child and family but the broader community.  

– Kentucky had the highest rate of child victims of abuse in 2019 in the US, for the 3rd year in a row  
– Kentucky is double the national rate of child victims of abuse under age 1 and the third highest rate in the nation  
– The most prevalent risk factors for victims are substance abuse (54%) and domestic violence (52%). 
– Trauma has long-term health implications and a history of trauma impacts education and employment success. Abuse victims incur $19 trillion over their lifetime in costs for treatment, remediation, and support. 

As a business owner, what are some things YOU can do to prevent abuse? Some ideas below. 

1. Support a Family-Friendly Work Environment. Child abuse and neglect happens in all types of families. Ensuring families are supported by their employees, when possible, with family friendly policies and practices that can reduce risk that increases the likelihood of abuse and neglect. Examples include paid family leave, scheduling at least two weeks out so parents can arrange appropriate childcare, and provide paid-time off or sick leave options that keep employees health and their families health as a priority.  

2. Create a Culture of Care. Building a community with your employees has many benefits, and one you may have not considered is the reduction of isolation and stress of your parent employees. A workplace culture that creates the opportunity to relationship building and a feeling of belonging that helps to create protective factors in the home.  

3. Recognize When Your Employees are Struggling. Keep a list of potential resources related to both basic needs and emotional well-being resources and encourage your employees to access them.  

4. Learn How to Defuse Challenging Moments. When your business involves interacting with the general public, inevitably tantrums or frustration happens between caregivers and their kids. Having the skills to lower the temperature can make a big difference in the moment and long term for parents and their kids. Implement bystander intervention trainings to equip your staff. 

5. Make it Your Mission. Talk to your employees about child abuse prevention, identify it as a priority at your place of business and partner with a local nonprofit to bring in training, education, and fundraising opportunities.  

For more information about how YOU can play a role in child abuse prevention visit faceitmovement.org.

A big THANK YOU to the Louisville Independent Business Alliance (LIBA) for featuring the Kosair Charities Face It Movement and child abuse prevention efforts throughout the month, including encouraging members to display and distribute materials to employees and customers.