Moments That Matter: Identifying and Responding to Signs of Child Maltreatment
In 2024, the Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline received nearly 65,000 reports of suspected child maltreatment, with over 29,000 investigated and more than 6,600 children confirmed as victims—mostly of neglect, physical abuse, or sexual abuse. Since many children experience more than one type of abuse, it's crucial to recognize the warning signs. Watch the videos on this page to learn more about child maltreatment. Through realistic case studies and expert insights, viewers will learn a mandated reporter’s legal duties, how to identify abuse, and ways to support children who come forward.
Report child maltreatment at the Arkansas State Police Child Maltreatment Hotline or Portal.
800-482-5964 or (844) SAVE-A-CHILD
Lesson One
Defining Maltreatment and the Responsibilities of Mandated Reporters
(Segment 1 of 7)
Donna Terrell meets with Dan Mack, Tiffany Wright, and Melanie Halbrook to discuss child maltreatment and the responsibilities of mandated reporters.
Lesson Two
Identifying Signs of Neglect
(Segment 2 of 7)
After an animated segment about a third-grade student named Ava, who may be experiencing maltreatment, our guest speakers share their insights on the situation and identifying signs of neglect.
Responding to Signs of Neglect
(Segment 3 of 7)
After a continuation of the animated segment about Ava and her teacher, our guest speakers discuss responding to signs of neglect.
Lesson Three
Responding to Suspected Sexual Abuse
(Segment 4 of 7)
After a continuation of the animated segment about Ava, who we’ve now followed to sixth grade and into a new situation, we’ll hear from experts to get their take responding to suspected sexual abuse.
Note: The voice of Penny was generated by using A.I. technology.
Reporting Suspected Abuse
(Segment 5 of 7)
In this final segment following Ava’s story, Mr. Mangan realizes that no one filed a report after Ava and her friend Penny made disclosures of abuse, and he must now take action.
Lesson Four
Understanding Physical Maltreatment
(Segment 6 of 7)
In this segment, we begin a new animated scenario where a teacher named Mrs. Wilson has a troubling interaction with the parents of one of her students, Miles. Our guest speakers comment on the situation.
Responding to Suspected Abuse
(Segment 7 of 7)
The animated segment with Mrs. Wilson and Miles continues as Miles makes a disclosure of abuse. Listen as our guest speakers discuss best practices regarding how to handle disclosures and reporting afterwards.