Tom Corson is the executive director of the kern county network for children. He says there are up to 50 child protection service referrals of suspected abuse per day in the county. Corson says about 90 percent of cases involved general neglect.
Anytime a child's welfare is in jeopardy it can be child abuse and we encourage the public even if it's just suspected child abuse to contact the CPS or contact law enforcement if there's a child that looks like immediate danger," said Corson.
Corson says to look for signs of physical and emotional abuse. He says if you notice bruising or a child or a child not wanting to be touched those are times when you should start asking questions.
However, Corson says you don't necessarily need evidence to report abuse.
"Even though it may not be to the level of abuse and neglect where CPS my come in and remove the child, it may be that family needs help or assistance," said Corson.
If you do suspect a child is in immediate danger, call 911 or 631-6011 to report a case of abuse or neglect to Child Protective Services.
