By Brian Murphy

Correspondent

Knowing when, and to whom, to report possible suspected child abuse is crucial to investigation and remediation, Chenango County experts agree.

Under the county government telephone listings within the Yellow Book directory, and under the Social Services heading, is The Child Abuse Hotline number -- 1-800-342-3720.

Upon calling the number listeners are advised that --- in the event of an emergency -- to first call the police at 911. Hotline number calls are answered by trained specialists. If people call about a child who they believe was abused or maltreated, or about a child with visible injuries or about the death of a child, the recording offers numerical options to press on their phone, depending upon the situation.

The Chenango County Department of Social Services network with many public and some private agencies to ensure that justice is served and, when needed, helpful intervention is provided. One of the private agencies with which DSS works closely is the Family Support Program in Norwich, which is part of the Children's Home of Binghamton.