A weird bruise that seems to look oddly like a handprint.

A broken arm.

Flinching when a person raises their hand.

These all could be signs that something is wrong in a child’s home.

To bring awareness to this very serious matter, Carbon County officials, on Thursday, adopted a proclamation naming April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in the county.

“If we lived in a world where children were happy, healthy and nurtured in their home, that would be the most wonderful thing,” said Jill Geissinger, director of Carbon County Children and Youth Services. “Unfortunately, that’s not the case we are seeing in Children and Youth. ... Our mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect.”

In 2024, the department’s staff investigated 226 reports of suspected child abuse, with nine of them being substantiated. Of those cases, four were sexual abuse, two were serious bodily injury, one was serious neglect, one was living with a sexual predator in the home and one was a sex trafficking report.

“We’re very thankful to the Carbon County District Attorney’s office for seeking collaborative efforts, partnerships, grants and continue to investigate as a team for our most vulnerable youth to get them the justice that they deserve,” Geissinger said. “I also want to thank the community. Thank you for speaking up. Thank you for saying something when times are tough to do so. I hope you continue to do so.”

Carbon County’s population is comprised largely of older individuals, however 18 percent of the county’s residents are children who need to be protected and loved.

In addition to investigations, the department provides services, such as grandparents raising grandchildren, counseling and other family initiatives.

Support systems also need to include programs and partnerships with the community, schools, organizations and more.

“Our communities are stronger when all citizens become aware of the negative effect of child neglect,” the proclamation stated.

Geissinger reminded residents that if they suspect something is not right with a child and their home life to speak up.

“If anyone suspects a child is abused or neglected, the best way is to call the child abuse hotline at 1-800-932-9414 and make a report,” she said.

The commissioners thanked Geissinger for all the department does and urged people to look at the signs and speak up to protect the children. Children and Youth currently have 13 casework staff who investigate and handle all reports.