[Michlib-l] Reporting Suspected Abuse or Neglect (Was: Homeless children)

[Ray Arnett]

Hi all—

 

Please inform all of your staff and particularly your children’s services staff about the following website from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services: http://www.michigan.gov/dhs/0,4562,7-124-7119---,00.html 

 

It gives the toll-free number to report suspected abuse or neglect of any child or adult within the state. In addition, it gives some additional information on how to recognize signs of abuse or neglect for both children and vulnerable adults.

 

I hope this is helpful,

 

Ray Arnett

Fremont Area District Library

104 East Main Street

Fremont MI 49412

(231) 928-0243 (direct)

(231) 924-3480

(231) 924-2355 (fax)

rarnett at fremontlibrary.net

 

 

 

From: michlib-l-bounces at mcls.org [mailto:michlib-l-bounces at mcls.org] On Behalf Of Shannon Janeczek
Sent: Tuesday, April 14, 2015 10:37 PM
To: Lois Hartman
Cc: MICHLIB-L Listserv
Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] Homeless children

 

I would say calling the local or county children's protection unit might be a good idea. They can come in when the kids are there and approach them. If there's a private meeting room for them to have a talk, that might be the best option to arrange. 

On Friday, April 10, 2015, Lois Hartman <lrhartman8 at yahoo.com> wrote:

I have a little bit of a touchy situation and am wondering how to proceed.  We have had 3 siblings come in on a semi regular basis for the last couple of weeks, and it is pretty obvious that they are living out of the car.  They are dirty, smelly, etc.  No parents with them ever.  They come and sometimes stay as long as we are open.  We haven't ever seen them eat something, nor do they look like they are well fed.  The oldest is approximately 16 (she drives the car) and the youngest about 9.  The youngest has displayed some anger (not in the library but one of my staff saw them outside once and he was very angry).  They aren't misbehaving in the library, but we are concerned.  My question is, what if anything can we do?  Is there somewhere we can call?  We have not approached them because they seem very tense and not very approachable.  They mostly come in to use our computers.  Any suggestions, ideas or advice? 

 

Lois Hartman 
Watervliet District Library

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