DAYTON -- Nicole Warner has been working with kids for more than 19 years. She says she's seen her fair share of children hurt and abused and believes spotting child abuse is everyone's job.
"We all need to have our eyes and ears open, watching to make sure that our kids are safe," she said.
At My Fathers House Childcare, Warner says they've also seen children hurt and abused and have had to contact Children Services three times in the last five years.
"We have postings throughout the entire building of numbers to contact for Children Services," Warner said.
Now Warner and every one else in Ohio has an easily accessible number available from all 88 counties. If you see or suspect child abuse all you have to do is dial 855-OH-CHILD and you will be directed right to a child welfare or law enforcement office in your county.
"It's important not to be silent, if you see abuse or neglect that you get out and report it," said Geraldine Pegues of Children Services.
And there are all types of abuse.
"A lot of people think you can only hurt a child by hitting them but it's just as detrimental when kids are coming in with clothes that are too small, shoes that don't fit," said Warner. "You can tell they probably haven't eaten for a while and they are excessively hungry which affects their behavior into demeanor and ability to learn."
"People call in because they are concerned it may be there's no electricity or there's no heat," said Pegues. "Maybe there are injuries on the child in places where they are not supposed to be injured from a fall."
When you call in, give as much information as you can about the child and the situation. That helps to make sure there are no fraudulent calls and to get the help going quicker.
"It's our job to keep our kids safe if we don't then no one will."
By the way, you can remain anonymous.
Montgomery County has its own 24-hour call center for child abuse. People in Montgomery County can continue calling 224-KIDS (5437) to avoid the extra step.
Connect with ABC 22/FOX 45 Reporter Wale Aliyu on Facebook and Twitter.
"We all need to have our eyes and ears open, watching to make sure that our kids are safe," she said.
At My Fathers House Childcare, Warner says they've also seen children hurt and abused and have had to contact Children Services three times in the last five years.
"We have postings throughout the entire building of numbers to contact for Children Services," Warner said.
Now Warner and every one else in Ohio has an easily accessible number available from all 88 counties. If you see or suspect child abuse all you have to do is dial 855-OH-CHILD and you will be directed right to a child welfare or law enforcement office in your county.
"It's important not to be silent, if you see abuse or neglect that you get out and report it," said Geraldine Pegues of Children Services.
And there are all types of abuse.
"A lot of people think you can only hurt a child by hitting them but it's just as detrimental when kids are coming in with clothes that are too small, shoes that don't fit," said Warner. "You can tell they probably haven't eaten for a while and they are excessively hungry which affects their behavior into demeanor and ability to learn."
"People call in because they are concerned it may be there's no electricity or there's no heat," said Pegues. "Maybe there are injuries on the child in places where they are not supposed to be injured from a fall."
When you call in, give as much information as you can about the child and the situation. That helps to make sure there are no fraudulent calls and to get the help going quicker.
"It's our job to keep our kids safe if we don't then no one will."
By the way, you can remain anonymous.
Montgomery County has its own 24-hour call center for child abuse. People in Montgomery County can continue calling 224-KIDS (5437) to avoid the extra step.
Connect with ABC 22/FOX 45 Reporter Wale Aliyu on Facebook and Twitter.