What We Each Can Do

We can make the prevention of neglect a top priority.

As parents and caregivers, we can:

• Improve our parenting and caregiving skills. Parenting classes and support groups are offered in communities throughout North Dakota. It's sometimes surprising how much we can learn about meeting our child’s needs as well as our own.
• Seek help when we need it. Most often, help is only a phone call away. We can contact regional Human Service Centers for counseling information. We can also call 2-1-1 (North Dakota's Help Line) for information on helpful programs around the state.

As community members, we can:

• Offer our support to parents and families who need help -- and to social service agencies, police officers, and others who are working to provide that help.
• Get involved in organizing needed community services, such as crisis centers, emergency day care and housing, parent support groups, and other programs.
• Volunteer our time and energy to a good cause: supporting families. We can get involved in fundraising, lobbying, parenting education, support groups, and more.

Reporting Possible Child Neglect

Reporting suspected neglect can mean improvement for both the child and the parent. We need to carefully consider the possible consequences for a child who remains in a situation that poses a threat to his or her safety and well-being. If we fear a child may be neglected, we need to contact the police or County Social Services to make a report.