What is Daycare Abuse, and What Does It Look Like in Plano?
No parent wants to think about their child being harmed, but daycare abuse can fall into four categories: Physical, emotional, psychological, and sexual abuse. Physical abuse is the most common type—any intentional hitting, kicking, or slapping; shaking of babies; or unapproved, corporal punishment tactics by a caregiver. (The incidents at the two Plano daycare centers that we described earlier in this article fall into this category.)
It can sometimes be difficult to tell if a child is being mistreated at a local daycare center, especially if your son or daughter is too young to tell you what’s happening. Some common red flags that can indicate your child is being abused at a daycare center in Plano include:
- Changes in behavior, such as withdrawal or aggression
- Complaints of rough handling or mistreatment
- Dirty classrooms or unsafe play areas
- Regression in developmental milestones (e.g., bedwetting, thumb-sucking)
- Sudden fear or anxiety about going to daycare
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or other injuries
Watch this video to learn more about emotional abuse at daycare centers in Plano. If you notice any of these red flags, it’s important to trust your parental instincts and act quickly.
How Do I Report Daycare Abuse in Plano?
If you believe your child has been abused at a daycare center in Plano, you should follow these simple steps:
- File a report with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) by calling the abuse hotline at 800-252-5400 or reporting it online at txabusehotline.org. The state agency recommends calling to report abuse for immediate attention (online reports can take more than 48 hours to be processed) in the following scenarios:
- A child sustained serious injuries
- A child 5 years or younger was harmed
- Instances of sexual abuse of a minor
- Children ages 5 and under are left alone or likely to be neglected in the next 24 hours
- Anytime you believe the situation requires immediate action
It is important to note that all reports to DFPS are anonymous and will be investigated. Also, filing a report with the state will alert other parents to safety concerns and violations at the Plano daycare center.
- Contact the Plano Police Department by calling 911 or the station at 972-424-5678. Getting the police involved is key, especially when you suspect sexual abuse or that your child’s injuries were deliberately caused by a caregiver at the Plano daycare center. This step will also help ensure the incident is properly documented and investigated.
Can I Sue a Plano Daycare Center If I Suspect My Child Was Abused?
Yes, you have the legal right to take legal action against a Plano daycare center if you suspect your son or daughter was physically, emotionally, psychologically, or sexually abused at the facility. A lawsuit must be filed within two years of the abuse incident that harmed your child.
Contact our experienced and compassionate Plano daycare injury lawyers for a free case evaluation by calling us at 214-699-4409 or emailing us at [email protected]. We will be ready to listen and provide options to help you make the best decision for your child and family.
If you are not quite ready to reach out to our team, check out these free resources:
- Caregivers at a Plano Daycare Center Hurt My Child. What Do I Do Now?
- What Should I Do When My Child Comes Home from Daycare with Bruises?
- What Are the Steps to Take When Suing a Daycare After My Child Was Injured?
Do You Suspect Your Child Was Abused or Harmed at a Daycare Center in Plano, Texas? Contact The Button Law Firm.
If your child was physically, emotionally, psychologically, or sexually abused at a daycare center in Plano, Texas, our team of experienced and compassionate daycare injury lawyers at The Button Law Firm can help. We’re dedicated to advocating for you and your family. We are ready to listen and fight for your family to get justice and move forward. Our lawyers at The Button Law Firm are recognized on the prestigious Texas Super Lawyers list, and we can help guide you after a traumatizing incident involving your child. We work on contingency, meaning we don’t charge you or collect any upfront fees to get started on your case. Get a free case evaluation by calling us at 214-699-4409, emailing us at [email protected], or filling out a contact form.