30 Mar PGTPL Community Resource: Susie’s Place
Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library’s mission is to be the place to connect, discover, learn, and enjoy. With this community resource spotlight, our goal is to connect our patrons to local agencies. This blog features Susie’s Place, a local child advocacy center.
Child Abuse Prevention
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Throughout the month, communities are encouraged to focus on ways to raise awareness of signs of child abuse as well as prevention.
What is Susie’s Place?
Susie’s Place Mission Statement: To provide a neutral, child-friendly center to investigate alleged child abuse and neglect in Indiana, while keeping the comfort and safety of the child the first priority.
Susie’s Place offers a center where children can have a one-on-one conversation about their experiences, therefore eliminating the need to repeat their story to multiple agencies and people.
In addition, Susie’s Place advocates for children in their education and outreach. Some offerings include:
- First Responder Training
- Mental Health co-located in Avon and Bloomington
- Forensic Medical Exams co-located in Bloomington
- Darkness to Light Stewards of Children Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Trainings
- Child Safety Matters – body safety classes for elementary school students in grades K-5th
- Teen Safety Matters– body/internet safety classes for middle and high school students in grades 6th-12th
- My Buddy Therapy Dog program
Susie’s Place has served over 10,000 children since opening in 2009. There is no cost to families and children seen at Susie’s Place.
If you need to prepare your child for a visit, their website has more information: https://susiesplace.org/about/preparing-for-a-visit-to-susies-place/
Reporting Child Abuse or Neglect
Indiana is a mandatory reporting state. Any adult is required to report suspected child abuse or neglect. Reports can be made anonymously, but DCS prefers contact information of the person reporting in case further information is required. DCS keeps name and contact information of reporters confidential.
Indiana Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline
1-800-800-5556
What information will I need to make a report?
If you call to make a report, an intake specialist will ask for information about the circumstances creating a risk of harm to the child including:
- those involved
- what occurred
- when and where it occurred
- the extent of any injuries sustained
- any other relevant information
Even if you’re unsure of all the information, call to report child abuse or neglect.
Additional information can be found here: Department of Child Services.
Here’s more information about the hotline process.
Resources from Susie’s Place
Above all, Susie’s Place works to keep children and families safe. Their prevention team conducts several trainings, now virtual, for parents and any adult who works with youth. As always, visit www.susiesplace.org for more information or upcoming training sessions.
Protecting Their Image in a Digital World
In conclusion, navigating parenthood is tough at times, especially if you have questions or concerns. The library can locate information or resources to help. We can look up local agencies and provide phone numbers, addresses, or other information.
