Teachers ask Coloradans to look out for kids this summer and call child abuse hotline

Colorado teachers are calling upon Coloradans across the state to be their eyes and ears this summer, and call the Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline — 844-CO-4-KIDS — if they suspect a child may be experiencing abuse or neglect.

When the school year ends and summer break begins, calls to the Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline drop significantly because teachers and other school-based mandatory reporters no longer interact with children every day.

“As a teacher, my duty to my students goes well beyond academic instruction,” said Cara Godbe, a third grade teacher in Montrose. “I want to inspire my students to be the best version of themselves and ensure they thrive. When my gut tells me something seems off, and I become concerned for a child’s welfare, I am obligated to report it. My hope is that all Coloradans — neighbors, friends and members of each community — will take up that mantle this summer and help families get the support they need to keep kids safe.”

In 2020, the situation is even more serious as calls to the hotline had already dropped by 50% after students moved to online learning in late March, followed by stay-at-home orders in April and May.

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