Youth Support Links page
© 2000-2003 by Laurie A. Couture, M.Ed, LMHC

If you are being hurt:
I am a mandated reporter of child abuse and neglect. That means that if you write to me and disclose that you are being harmed by an adult, I have an obligation to report it to the proper authorities. If someone is hurting you, you have a right to seek help and protection. Please talk to a trusted adult (safe family member, cool teacher, school counselor, friend’s parent) and tell them about what is going on. If they do not listen or protect you, tell another adult. If you are scared, or in danger, call 911, or dial the operator and ask the operator to connect you to your state’s child protective services. You can also dial (toll free) the National Child Abuse Hotline, 1 (800) 4-A-CHILD, from anywhere in the USA to reach Child Help USA. Visit their website at www.childhelpusa.org.

How do I know if I am being abused?
If someone is hurting you physically, emotionally or sexually, or if an adult is acting in a manner that makes you feel uncomfortable, you have a right to talk to someone about it.

Physical abuse is when an adult purposely and deliberately inflicts pain on a child out of anger or to punish. This can range from spankings to beatings to other forms of abuse (locking a child in a enclosed space, denying toilet use, etc.). Although it is legal for parents and, in some states, teachers, to spank kids, it is still wrong, and you have a right to seek help if you feel afraid. It is illegal for caretakers to hit a child to the point of leaving bruises or other injuries on the child.

Emotional abuse is when an adult continually hurts a child’s feelings by calling names, using put downs, insults or humiliation.

Sexual abuse is when an adult or person over the age of consent (varies by state) behaves in a sexual manner towards a minor. This could include inappropriate touching, kissing or exposure. It could include an adult requesting that the minor expose him or herself, or touch the adult. Sexual abuse can happen to boys as well as to girls. Both men and women can be sexual abusers. ANY sexual contact between a adult and a child is illegal, and is the fault of the adult, regardless of the gender of the victim and abuser. Sexual contact between an adult and a child is illegal even if the child "consented" to the sexual contact.

Neglect is when caretakers (parents, guardians, teachers) deprive children of basic physical, emotional and educational needs. Your physical needs include food, water, shelter, heat, use of the toilet and medical attention. Emotional needs include love, attention and protection. In addition, all children have a right to obtain an education.

If you think you are experiencing any form of abuse, or if you are in a situation where an adult is causing you to feel afraid, please talk to a trusted adult or contact child protective services.

Support and options if you are in trouble:

Running away
If you are thinking of running away or have run away, there are national hotlines you can call for support:

The National Runaway Switchboard-
1(800) 621-4000 or www.nrscrisisline.org

Boy’s Town National Hotline
1(800) 448–3000

Suicide
If you are thinking of hurting or killing yourself, please talk your feelings over with a trusted adult. If you feel alone and do not feel you have anyone to talk to, you can call one of the following resources for help:

The National Hopeline Network
1(800)-Suicide

Crisis and Information Center
1(800)-221-0446

Child Abuse
If you are experiencing abuse or neglect and feel you cannot confide in a trusted adult, please call:

Child Help USA
1(800) 4–A–CHILD or www.childhelpusa.org

Teen issues
(Running away, suicide, child abuse, teen pregnancy; drug and alcohol use; rape; gay and lesbian issues; sexually transmitted diseases; crime; loneliness, etc)

National Youth Crisis Hotline
1(800)448–4663

Safe Place (A website with a page of resources on teen issues)
http://www.safeplaceservices.com/teentopics/helplines.shtml

Teen Help.org (A website with a page of resources on teen issues)
http://www.safeplaceservices.com/teentopics/helplines.shtml

Youth Work’s Just for Youth Page
http://www.youthwork.com/youthinfo.html
Multiple links to various support topics

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