What to Do If You Suspect Child Abuse at a Daycare in Georgia

Our Savannah Daycare Injury and Child Abuse Lawyers at Kicklighter Law Can Help

One of a parent’s worst fears is discovering that their child has been harmed, especially when the abuse occurs at a daycare facility—an environment where children’s safety, health, and emotional well-being should always be a top priority. Although all daycare facilities in Georgia are required to follow strict health, safety, and staffing regulations, violations still occur. Whether your child has experienced physical abuse, emotional harm, neglect, or exposure to unsafe conditions, the effects can last for years.

If you suspect your child has been abused or neglected at a daycare, the responsible parties should be held accountable. An experienced and compassionate daycare injury and child abuse attorney can help you pursue the maximum compensation for the pain and suffering you and your family have endured.

What Is Considered Child Abuse?

Under the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) and Georgia law, child abuse or neglect includes any act or failure to act by a parent, caregiver, or daycare staff member that results in physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse, exploitation, or puts a child at imminent risk of harm. Examples include:

  • Physical abuse
  • Sexual abuse or exploitation
  • Emotional abuse
  • Neglect
  • Abandonment
  • Substance exposure or substance abuse in the child’s presence

Signs That Your Child May Be Abused at a Daycare Center

Children who are abused or neglected at daycare may exhibit a range of behaviors or physical signs. Even small changes in behavior should be taken seriously. Common indicators of abuse include:

  • Withdrawal from activities they previously enjoyed
  • Extreme mood swings or aggression
  • Frequent absences from daycare
  • Nightmares or insomnia
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Reversal in developmental milestones
  • Desperately seeking affection or attention
  • Limited interaction with other children
  • Unexplained or poorly explained injuries
  • Anxiety, depression, or new fears
  • Blood in underwear or signs of sexual contact

Signs of neglect may include:

  • Poor hygiene or consistently soiled clothing
  • Being underweight or overweight for their age
  • Lack of clean clothes or proper nutrition
  • Untreated medical issues
  • Hoarding or hiding food
  • Lack of attention or concern from caregivers

What Is Considered Negligence in Daycare Facilities?

Daycare centers in Georgia are legally required to provide a standard of care that includes:

  • Hiring qualified, background-checked staff.
  • Maintaining legally mandated child-to-staff ratios.
  • Following health, safety, and sanitation protocols.
  • Complying with all state licensing regulations.

To prove negligence in a daycare injury or abuse case, you must establish:

  1. Duty of Care: The facility had a legal obligation to provide a safe, sanitary, and nurturing environment.
  2. Breach of Duty: The facility failed to meet this standard, such as by neglecting supervision, exposing children to unsafe conditions, or directly harming a child.

Negligence can lead to serious legal consequences, including civil liability and potential criminal charges for egregious cases of abuse or neglect.

Steps to Take If You Suspect Abuse at a Daycare

If you suspect your child has been harmed, taking prompt action is essential:

  1. Seek Medical Attention: A pediatrician or child health specialist can identify signs of physical or emotional abuse. Medical records also create a documented trail critical for any legal case.
  2. Contact an Experienced Lawyer: A daycare injury and child abuse lawyer can guide you through the legal process and ensure the responsible parties are held accountable. Benefits include:
    1. Legal Experience: Understanding Georgia daycare laws, licensing requirements, and child protection statutes.
    1. Case Management: Collecting evidence, statements, and documentation to build a strong case.
    1. Proving Fault: Establishing that the daycare center had a duty of care and that breach of this duty caused harm to your child.

Our Savannah Daycare Injury and Child Abuse Lawyers at Kicklighter Law Can Help

If you believe your child was abused or neglected at a daycare, contact our Savannah daycare injury and child abuse lawyers at Kicklighter Law as soon as possible. To schedule a consultation, call 912-754-6003 or contact us online. Located in Springfield, Georgia, we serve clients throughout Effingham County, Savannah, and the surrounding areas.