OKLAHOMA CITY (April. 23, 2025) – Last year, nearly 32,000 allegations of child maltreatment were received by Oklahoma Human Services’ Abuse and Neglect Hotline. This statistic reflects the staggering frequency which child abuse and neglect occurs in our state. Oklahoma Human Services is committed to protecting the safety and wellbeing of Oklahoma’s children and believes child abuse can be prevented, curbed, and even eradicated, with your help.
This month, we’re making Oklahomans aware of five ways they can prevent child abuse and neglect.
- Know the Signs
Know the signs of abuse and neglect in children. These signs include changes in behavior, returning to earlier behaviors (also known as regression), changes to school performance or attendance, lack of personal care or hygiene, exhibiting risk-taking behaviors or inappropriate sexual behaviors, and having unexplained injuries.
- Report Abuse or Neglect
Oklahoma is a mandatory reporting state. This means that if you believe someone is being abused or neglected, you have a legal responsibility to report it. Call the 24-hour Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-522-3511 to report suspected abuse or neglect.
- Consider Fostering
The goal of Oklahoma Human Services’ Child Welfare Services division is to keep families together and to prevent child abuse and neglect. When a judge requires that a child be removed from their home due to abuse or neglect, Oklahoma Human services seeks a safe place for that child to stay while his or her parent works on correcting the abusive or neglectful behaviors that resulted in the child’s removal from the home in the first place. Our agency continues to experience a foster home shortage and needs foster parents who can offer children a safe, loving home to reside in while also supporting biological parents in their efforts to improve. To learn more about how you can join or support our incredible foster care community visit okfosters.org.
- Be A Neighbor
Becoming a foster parent is not the only way you can support a family’s journey towards safe reunification or permanency. Families involved in our child welfare system are often in need of resources ranging from diapers and cribs to car seats and gently used books and clothing. To fill a need or to request resources, visit the Oklahoma Human Services Be A Neighbor program webpage.
- Get Involved
There are a number of committees and organizations across the state that work to prevent child abuse. By sharing your experiences and partnering with prevention system stakeholders, families, and community organizations, you can have a meaningful impact on Oklahoma’s children and families.
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