Abuse Policy

Bellevue Baptist Church is considered a mandatory reporting agency. Our staff and volunteers are required by Tennessee state law to report all cases, or suspected cases, of child abuse and neglect. Child abuse and neglect occur when a child is mistreated, resulting in injury or risk of harm. The abuse can be physical, verbal, emotional, or sexual. 

If a volunteer observes any indication of abuse involving a minor or is given any indication of such abuse in discussions with a minor, they must report it to the appropriate state agency.

Bellevue volunteers are expected to be alert when caring for minors. Observations of abusive behavior by any individual (e.g. a parent, sibling, co-volunteer) must be reported immediately to the Tennessee Child Abuse Hotline.

If you suspect abuse

1. Call the Tennessee Child Abuse Hotline: +1 (877) 237-0004

They will ask you several questions. If you need help obtaining any of the above information, please contact Bellevue’s staff for assistance.

• Child’s name
• Child’s date of birth
• List of others in the child’s home
• Child’s address
• Child’s phone number

They will offer to provide you with a case number. Please get this number and write it down.

2. Alert Bellevue staff about the suspicion and that you reported it to authorities.

Please note: The appropriate authorities are ready to investigate and determine if abuse is happening. It is not your job to investigate but to simply report your suspicion.‍

Below are indicators of child abuse and neglect. Please note that the signs in each category may pertain to one or more types of abuse or neglect.