If child assault or abuse occurs, various indicators can identify it. Notable signs of neglect, physical, sexual and emotional abuse include:
Neglect: Low birth weight, un-kept dirty appearance, lack of adequate medical and dental care, food, shelter and clothing, lack of caretaker or appropriate supervision. Physical: Unexplained bruises, welts, burns, fractures, lacerations or abrasions, afraid to go home, fearful when other children cry.
Sexual: Venereal disease; pregnancy; difficulty walking or sitting; pain or itching in genital area; torn, stained or bloody underpants; fear of adults; runaway, infantile behavior; sophisticated or unusual sexual behavior or knowledge; may report sexual assault by parent, relative or caretaker.
Emotional: Failure-to-thrive; speech disorders; bed-wetting; nightmares; learning disabilities; withdrawal. Passive or aggressive behavior; poor peer relationships; delay in social, physical or emotional development.
In cases of child abuse or assault, BE CALM. BELIEVE your child; get the facts of the incident. Assure your child that what has happened IS NOT her/his fault. Tell the child what you plan to do. Get appropriate outside help.
A Step Forward, Inc.
Website: astepforwardinc.com
Telephone: (925) 685-9670
Offers a range of treatment services to families and children where sexual abuse has occurred. Ongoing groups for parents of children survivors and youth offenders, adult survivors, and abused children. Forensic consultation, assessments and treatment programs available for adult and youth sexual offenders. Therapists are skilled in treating general non-abuse related psychotherapy issues as well.
Center for Child Protection at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland
Website: ucsfbenioffchildrens.org/clinics/center-for-child-protection
Telephone: (510) 428-3742
Provides medical and psychological support to victims of sexual, physical, or emotional abuse and neglect and their families. Services are available around the clock. Provides follow-up medical care, reporting to CFS/Police, victim/witness assistance program, crisis intervention and educational programs for parents and professionals. Some free services are available.
Center for Human Development: Beyond Violence
Website: chd-prevention.org
Telephone: (925) 349-7340
We offer assistance to victims of violence and trauma. Facilitate school-based sessions and support groups. Offer individual support services and parent meetings. Provide referrals for other needed services. Please call for meeting times and locations. Referrals from John Muir Health and/or Designated Schools are required to access services.
Hours of services: 8:00 AM-4:00 PM.
Languages spoken: English and Spanish.
Child Abuse Prevention Council of Contra Costa County, Inc. (CAPC)
Website: capc-coco.org
Telephone: (925) 798-0546
Referral to child abuse prevention, intervention and treatment services in Contra Costa County. Information about child abuse and neglect, protecting your children, and indicators of abuse. Free workshops for community and professional groups:
- Nurturing Parenting Connections Home-Visiting
- Nurturing Parenting Center-Based Education
- Parent Partner Program
- Youth Partner Program
- English and Spanish. Services are free.
Children and Family Services (CFS)
(Formerly CPS)
Toll Free: (877) 881-1116
If you know or suspect child abuse or neglect has occurred, call the toll free number. If the child is in immediate danger, call both the local police and Children and Family Services. A social worker will talk with you confidentially and assess the degree of risk involved. If the child is in immediate danger, a visit will occur immediately. If not, a visit may occur within 10 days. By reporting to Children and Family Services, resources to promote the future safety of the child are offered (i.e., counseling, parent education, respite care, transportation, parent aides, etc.).
Community Violence Solutions (CVS)
(Formerly Rape Crisis Center)
Website: www.cvsolutions.org
Rape Crisis Line 24 Hour: (800) 670-7273
Antioch: (925) 706-4290
San Pablo: (510) 237-0113
Children’s Interview Center: (925) 608-5650
Community Violence Solutions is a collaborating partner in the countywide Anti-Trafficking project. Victims of sexual and/or labor trafficking may receive crisis intervention, counseling, comprehensive case management, advocacy, and accompanying services. Community Violence Solutions operates two Drop-In Centers for individuals under the age of 24 who have experienced Commercial Sexual Exploitation. CVS also conducts training for law enforcement and Service Providers and provides community presentations free of charge to bring awareness about the important issue of Human Trafficking.
Hours of services: Mon-Fri, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM.
Languages spoken: English and Spanish.
Are interpreters available? Yes, all languages through Language Line.
Early Childhood Mental Health Program
Website: ecmhp.org
Address: 200 24th St. Richmond, CA 94804
Telephone: (510) 412-9200
Therapy Intake Services: (510) 508-1255
CTN Services: (510) 412-9230
Childcare Solutions: (510) 412-9211
Serves West Contra Costa County. Child and Family Therapy Services – includes play therapy as well as “dyadic” therapy (caregiver and child together) for children 0-6 years. Therapy services help improve family dynamics by supporting attachment bonds between parents and their children; by teaching parenting and nurturing skills; and by helping parents address their own childhood traumas.
Hours of services are Mon, Wed, Thurs 8:30 AM-7:00 PM; Tues, Fri 8:30 AM-5:00 PM.
Medi-Cal only.
Spanish services are available.
Mujeres de Cambio
Telephone: (925) 727-1958
Mujeres de Cambio will provide to every woman who finds herself in a state of abuse the opportunity for a radical change. Our mission is to offer necessary information and help to every woman open to change. Services are provided in English and Spanish.
Pacific Clinics (formerly Uplift Family Services)
Website: pacificclinics.org
Telephone: (925) 756-7315
Relative caregivers in Central, East and West Contra Costa are provided with a variety of services to support and stabilize the family. Services include case management assistance with guardianship, respite recreation, support groups, educational workshops, independent living skills and financial assistance. Our services are free of charge.
Hours of service: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM.
Services are provided in English and Spanish.
