Next Steps for Parents Following Child Care Sexual Abuse in Oklahoma

Some traumas hit too close to home. The Childcare Network in Oklahoma City, Tiny Tots Learning Spot in Tulsa, and Destiny Christian School in Midwest City: these are just some of the Oklahoma daycares with recent sexual abuse cases. If your child was molested by a caregiver, Oklahoma child injury lawyers at Carabin Shaw are on your side. We use our many years of experience to fight for the rights of survivors. Call us for a free case review.

Whether out of fear, shame, or confusion, many children do not disclose sexual abuse—at least right away. Some predators threaten their victims or convince them they were complicit in the acts. If your child is very young, they may not understand what happened or have the language skills to share. Thus, it’s vital for parents to learn the common warning signs of child molestation.

Sexually abused children may exhibit or experience the following:

• Age-inappropriate knowledge of or interest in sex
• Emotional withdrawal
• Regressive, aggressive, or moody behavior
• Bedwetting
• Fear of a caregiver/fear of leaving your side
• Low self-image
• Disinterest in friends and favorite activities
• Nightmares
• Self-harm
• STIs
• Physical trauma to the genital area

If you suspect your child is being molested at daycare, trust your gut and take action. Comprehensive lists of warning signs are available online.

The next steps for parents following child care sexual abuse include a supportive emotional response and contacting the proper authorities and experts. If your child has disclosed abuse or is showing signs, do the following:

Research shows that believing a child who discloses sexual abuse can vastly improve their quality of life post-trauma. False accusations are rare: believe your child and reassure them of your full support.

Immediately remove them from any contact with the abuser. You should also report the perpetrator to the authorities, including the police and Child Protective Services (via the Oklahoma Department of Human Services).

An attorney can help you pursue a civil case against the abuser in order to recover damages. At Carabin Shaw, we are committed to guiding our clients through the difficult legal process, advocating for their rights, and helping them secure financial or medical resources when possible.

Lawyers experienced in child care sexual abuse, like those at Carabin Shaw, give your family the best chance at recovering damages from the trauma. They can:

Fault may not lie with the abuser alone. Daycare centers, school districts, corporations, religious organizations, and other entities that employ child care workers can be held liable for sexual abuse if they failed their “duty of care.” For example, if a daycare ignored previous claims of misconduct and kept employing a sexual abuser, they are partially to blame.

The effects of sexual abuse are extensive. A lawyer can prove how your finances and emotional well-being have suffered. Perhaps you lost wages after the abuse because you needed to stay home with your child. There may also be medical bills to pay. And, many children suffer behavioral and emotional issues after sexual abuse, which can impact their earning potential later in life.

These are just some of the actions our daycare sexual abuse attorneys in Oklahoma may take during a civil claim. Through it all, we keep you informed and advocate for your rights.

Many parents don’t know what steps to take in the aftermath of child care sexual abuse. Oklahoma child injury lawyers at Carabin Shaw will guide you through the process and protect your family every step of the way. Contact us—English and Spanish speakers are available 24/7.

Call our toll-free number at 800-862-1260 for a free case review.