Programs in Michiana speaking out about child abuse

 SOUTH BEND, Ind. --- The Department of Child Services and other organizations in Michiana are speaking out about child abuse and neglect following the murder of an 11-month-old baby.

Officials from DCS and SCAN (Stop Child Abuse and Neglect) say there are ways to prevent child abuse, starting with support for parents in need of help.

SCAN offers a program called Community Partners which will work with any family in crisis for a maximum of four months.

In this program, they can teach parents how to safely handle their children, refer parents to jobs, or even help to feed the family.

"The goal is to help a family through whatever crisis, so they never become part of the DCS system," said member of SCAN, Paige Hamilton.

If you know of a child being abused, you are asked to contact the Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD.