Childhood neglect and abuse

When a parent or caregiver fails to provide the basic needs for a child to grow up happy and healthy, it can cause serious long-term effects. For healthy development, children need food, clothing, safety, shelter and emotional support, especially during the early years of their lives. Find local resources dedicated to protecting children in Stark County from child neglect.

If you suspect childhood abuse or neglect, don’t wait to reach out. When it comes to children in crisis, every minute can be crucial in preventing an episode of abuse. Whether you have a concern about mental, emotional or physical cruelty, call the hotline today. It’s up to our entire community to help keep our kids out of harm’s way.

View a listing of mental health providers here.

Safety & support

If you know a child that has experienced or is currently experiencing abuse or neglect, it is essential that they find a path to safety right away. When they are no longer in immediate danger, the next step is to seek out mental and emotional support.

Each child whose life is affected by abuse or neglect will react differently to the trauma. Some may have long-term effects that follow them throughout their development while others may be able to cope and move past the abuse. There is no right or wrong response to childhood abuse and neglect, but there are many local resources available to help children heal and move forward.

School settings can be one place where the need for mental health consultation and/or treatment services is observed. Use the Stark County Schools Mental Health Directory for more information.

If you suspect someone you know may be experiencing abuse in Stark County, report your concerns to a trusted adult. Guidance counselors and school administrators are a great line of defense along with pediatricians and mental health professionals.

Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health: Belden Village

Mental and behavioral health services for children and families.
  • Case management
  • Diagnostic mental health assessments
  • Medication management
Trauma and grief-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and SITCAP services to reduce risk and increase childhood resiliency:
  • Case management
  • Diagnostic mental health assessments
  • Medication management
4641 Fulton Dr. NW
Canton, OH 44718
Phone: (330) 433-6075
Trauma Services: (330) 454-7917
Trauma Services: (330) 454-7917

Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health: Alliance

Mental and behavioral health services for Alliance children and families.
SERVICES AT A GLANCE UNDER ALL PROGRAMS
Prevention and Consultation: Prevention services are designed to reduce risk factors, increase resiliency and prevent the development of further at-risk behavior. Mental health service providers offer consultation to administrators, teachers, parents or other adults to recommend behavior modification strategies and to provide support or suggestions.   Diagnostic Assessment: A mental health professional conducts a diagnostic assessment to determine whether a child or youth has a mental health disorder by gathering information about the child’s life situation, such as: Effects of symptoms on functioning in home, school and community, Onset, frequency, duration and severity of current symptoms, History of current mental health problem, Relevant family and social history. A diagnostic clinical assessments are a requirement for preadmission to our programs. Case Management: We offer case coordination through our Community Psychiatric Supportive Treatment (CPST) department. CPST services include assisting in developing treatment plans and linking clients and their families with available and appropriate resources on a 24/7 basis.   Psychiatric Evaluations and Medication Management: C&A’s team of child psychiatrists, certified nurse specialist and registered nurses provide a full array of comprehensive, integrates psychiatric services for children and adolescents including the latest psychopharmologic medications. Counselor and Social Worker Board (CSWMFT) (5) Licensees shall make available to clients links to websites for all certification bodies and licensure boards to facilitate consumer protection. Licensees shall provide a link to the board online license verification site on their web page - https://cswmft.ohio.gov/home.
Parkway Learning & Development Center
1490 Parkway Blvd
Alliance, OH 44601
Phone: (330) 823-5335
Hide HoursShow Hours
Tue.
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thu.
8:00 am - 7:00 pm

Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health: Plain Community

Mental and behavioral health services for children and families.
1811 Schneider St. NE
Door 6
Canton, OH 44721
Phone: (330) 470-4061

Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health: Shipley Office

Mental and behavioral health services for children and families.
919 2nd St. NE
Canton, OH 44704
Phone: (330) 454-7917

Domestic Violence Project, Inc. (DVPI)

24-hour Crisis Hotline: 330-453-SAFE (7233) Provides emergency shelter and support services to victims of domestic violence in Stark County and surrounding communities
  • Emergency Protective Shelter
  • Outreach and Aftercare
  • Legal Advocacy
  • Transitional Housing
  • Medical Advocacy
  • Peer Support
 

Secret Safe Place for Newborns: Mercy Medical Center ER

Confidential emergency shelter and medical care within three days of birth.
1320 Mercy Dr. NW
Canton, OH 44708
Phone: (330)-489-1000
Parenting & family support

Aultman Hospital

The largest hospital in Stark County. Emergency Room provides services for individuals with urgent health care concerns. Also a place for parents to safely and legally give their babies up. Aultman Serenity Program provides medical forensic nursing care to individuals impacted by violence. Including individuals that have experienced: abuse and neglect, domestic violence, human trafficking, or sexual assault. Offer grief support groups, more details online here.
2600 6th St. SW
Canton, OH 44710
Phone: (330) 452-9911
Emergency Room: (330) 363-6203
Emergency Room: (330) 363-6203
Hours: 24/7

CommQuest Canton

Addiction and mental health counseling, psychiatric services, case management, education and employment services, detox, hot meals, social center
  • CommQuest Cleveland Ave Outpatient - 625 Cleveland Ave NW Canton, OH 44702 Addiction and mental health counseling, psychiatric services, case management, and Supported Employment Program Phone: 330-445-2677 Site Hours Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 8:00am - 6:00pm Wednesday: 8:00am - 7:00pm Friday: 8:00am - 1:00pm Walk-In Assessment Hours Monday & Tuesday: 8:30am - 11:30am Wednesday: 12:30pm - 3:30pm Thursday: 2:30pm - 3:30pm
  • CommQuest Market Ave Outpatient - 1341 Market Ave N Canton, OH 44714 Medication-assisted treatment, addiction and mental health counseling, Mom + Me program, drug screenings, and Family Support Group Phone: 330-453-8252 Site Hours Monday - Thursday: 7:30am - 7:00pm Friday: 7:30am - 1:00pm Dosing Hours Monday - Friday 6:00am - 10:00am Saturday: 6:00am - 7:00am OTP Clinic Hours Monday - Thursday: 7:00am - 3:00pm Friday: 7:00am - 1:00pm Urine Drug Screen Hours Monday - Thursday: 6:00am - 1:30pm Friday: 6:00am - 12:30pm Walk-In Assessment Hours Monday: 10:30am - 2:30pm Tuesday: 9:30am - 4:30pm Wednesday: 8:30am - 2:30pm Thursday: 9:30am - 1:30pm Friday: 8:30am - 9:30am
  • CommQuest Detox - 2600 6th St SW Canton, OH 44710 Phone: 330-830-3393 Enrollment Hours Any day 7:00am - 10:00pm Walk-In Assessment Hours Monday - Friday: 7:00am - 7:00pm
  • CommQuest Samaritans Table - 627 McKinley Ave NW Canton, OH 44703 Hot meal service Thursdays 11:00am - 1:00pm Phone: 330-454-8044
  • CommQuest Canton Friendship - 2200 Cleveland Ave NW Canton, OH 44709 Social center, hot meal program, and group skills instruction Phone: 330-453-8776
  • CommQuest Payee Center - 601 Cleveland Ave NW Canton, OH 44702 Financial assistance for those who want or need a payee Phone: 330-453-4275 Window Hours Wednesdays 9:00am - 12:00pm Phone Hours Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 10:00am - 2:00pm
  • CommQuest Metropolitan Centre - 601 Cleveland Ave NW Canton, OH 44702 Administration, education & employment services, school-based services, marketing, fund development and training Phone: 330-455-0374

The Ken Weber Community Campus At Goodwill

408 9th St. SW
Canton, OH 44707
Toll free: 1 (800) 942-3577
Toll free: 1 (800) 942-3577
Hide HoursShow Hours
Mon.
9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Tue.
9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Wed.
9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Thu.
9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Fri.
9:00 am - 4:30 pm

Help Me Grow-Home Visiting

Home Visiting is a voluntary, home-based program offered at no cost to your family.  Our home visitors are well-trained professionals who use a compassionate approach that offers information and support during pregnancy, and empowers you as the parent with skills, tools, and confidence to nurture the healthy growth of your child through the earliest years – a critical time of development.
WHO SHOULD BE REFERRED?
Pregnant women and families with young children.Supporting first-time parents with home visiting services for children up to 3 years old
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?
Once your family has been referred, you will be assigned a home visitor, who will provide caring support and reliable information on the topics that matter most to you about your pregnancy and child’s development. Whether it’s what you can do to strive for a healthy pregnancy; how to soothe your crying baby; how to manage sleep (yours included!); or how to deal with the stresses of parenting; your home visitor is there to help, listen to your concerns, and connect you to community resources based off of your needs. We invest in you to make your own decisions about what is best for you and your child.
BENEFITS OF HOME VISITING
Healthy birth outcomes - Pregnant women who participated in Home Visiting had 48 percent fewer low birth weight babies. Source.
Increasing children’s school readiness - Children who participated in Home Visiting scored 25 percent higher on first through third grade reading and math achievement tests. Source.
6057 Strip Ave NW
North Canton, OH 44720
Phone: 330-492-8136, ext. 1480

OhioGuidestone

Providing counseling, support, advocacy, and education with a focus on prevention and treatment in the home, community, office, or telehealth. Additional Program: The Prevent Relapse Occurrence Team with Enhanced Case management and Treatment (Protect) works with juveniles who have shown sexual behavior problems who are not incarcerated or are returning to the community following separation. PROTECT services are designed to work specifically with individuals who have been identified as participating in “sexting” behavior or other minor-related sexual behavioral issues.
4579 Everhard Rd NW
Suite A
North Canton, OH 44718
Phone: (440) 260-6466
Hide HoursShow Hours
Mon.
8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Tue.
8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Wed.
8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Thu.
8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Fri.
8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Parents Anonymous

Self-help group encouraging parents to make lasting, effective, positive changes in their lives.
142 Arlington Ave. NW
Canton, OH 44708
Phone: (330) 445-1061
National Parent & Youth Helpline: (855) 437-2736
National Parent & Youth Helpline: (855) 437-2736

Secret Safe Place for Newborns: Mercy Medical Center ER

Confidential emergency shelter and medical care within three days of birth.
1320 Mercy Dr. NW
Canton, OH 44708
Phone: (330)-489-1000

Stark Community Support Network

Community safety net linking families to resources and social services.
  • Community Support Services (Mental Health & Substance/Alcohol Abuse) - Identify, Link, and Support individuals and families through the mental health and alcohol and substance abuse system.
  • Community Response Team (Trauma Care and Community Violence) - Refer, Assist, and Advocate for individuals and/or families experiencing trauma.
  • Infant Mortality (THRIVE) - Identify and Support women through their pregnancies to reduce infant mortality.
  • Pathways Hub (Pregnant Mothers) - Educate and Support pregnant mothers to ensure a safe and healthy delivery.
  • Parenting Classes - Classes are available for parents by court order or personal request.
  • Individual or Group Counseling - Clinical Counseling / Therapeutic Support Groups are offered to individuals or families.
Identifying neglect

Neglect can be anything from a lack of food and medical care to total abandonment. Children who have experienced neglect may show the following signs:

  • Behavioral issues
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Trouble maintaining healthy relationships
  • Low self-esteem
  • Problems at school
  • Dirty hair, skin and clothes
  • Hungry with no lunch money
  • No coat, hat or gloves
  • Poor language and communication skills
  • Unsuitable living environment
  • Untreated medical issues

References

Identifying abuse

Child abuse is an act by a parent or caregiver that results in or risk serious harm to a child. Abuse can be emotional, physical and/or sexual. If a child often has unexplained injuries and you start to notice a pattern, it is a good idea to report the situation. You may notice changes in the a child’s actions or behaviors, these are common signs of abuse might include:

  • Aggressive, destructive behaviors
  • Compulsions, obsessions and phobias
  • Developmental delays
  • Drug or alcohol use
  • Hard on themselves
  • Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
  • Overly affectionate towards strangers
  • Lacks close relationships with parents or caregivers or avoids being alone with certain people
  • Complaints of chronic pain or repeated trips to emergency room
  • Physical signs such as cuts, burns, bruises, black eyes and other physical marks
  • Depressed, anxious and withdrawn
  • Drug and alcohol use
  • Misses school or poor performance in school
  • Sudden changes in behavior
  • Wets the bed and soils clothes
  • Big changes in appetite or weight
  • Becomes sexually active at a young age
  • Multiple sexually transmitted infections or early pregnancy