- 1). Be alert to indications of abandonment. If the child is young, unable to care for himself and left unattended, this is likely a solid indication of abandonment. In any case where the child is left in the care of any institution or individual, when the parent/caretaker does not specify terms for the child's care nor return to assume responsibility for the child, this can be consideration for abandonment.
- 2). Contact the Michigan Department of Human Services' child abuse hotline. The responding agency will conduct a preliminary investigation about the abuse allegation. This will likely include a home visit and extensive interviews with the caretaker and child/children, or any other individual who resides at the location. The agency will collect any background information that indicates past abuse. An internal assessment will be conducted and the agency will rule on its findings. Subsequent dismissal or action will be taken from that point.
- 3). Be vigilantly observant, but not obviously intrusive. Calls about possible abuse are confidential, per state law. It cannot be revealed who reported the abuse suspicion. If the agency needs to contact you for further information, it will. Being concerned and alert about a child's safety might have saved her life.
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