Kentucky Will Observe TEN-4 Day on October 4
State officials aim to increase child abuse awareness by highlighting early physical signs of infant mistreatment.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Babies
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Kentucky officials have designated October 4 as TEN-4 Day to promote awareness of child abuse and neglect prevention. The annual observance encourages the public to learn critical warning signs in infants.
Why it matters
The campaign highlights the TEN-4-FACESp clinical screening method to help adults recognize dangerous bruising patterns. By educating the public on these indicators, officials hope to improve intervention and safety for vulnerable children.
The campaign promotes the TEN-4-FACESp screening method, which identifies high-risk bruising on the torso, ears, and neck of infants 4 months or younger. Residents can report suspected abuse to Kentucky Child Protective Services at 1-877-597-2331.
The players
Kentucky Child Protective Services
This is the state agency responsible for receiving and investigating reports of child abuse and neglect.
The details
The initiative educates both the public and medical professionals about early physical warning signs that may indicate abuse. Kentucky law mandates that all adults report any suspicions of child mistreatment to state authorities.
Timeline
The TEN-4 Day campaign first originated in Kentucky in 2019.
Statewide observance of TEN-4 Day is scheduled for October 4.
A virtual training session on head trauma is set for October 6.
An additional virtual training session is scheduled for October 8.
Culture Shift
This awareness effort builds upon the state's legal framework by shifting public responsibility toward early identification of physical trauma. It marks a departure from purely reactive reporting toward a model of community-based prevention and education.
Residents are encouraged to attend upcoming virtual sessions to learn how to identify potential signs of abuse in infants. Learning these indicators allows community members to fulfill their legal obligations regarding the reporting of suspected mistreatment.
The takeaway
Recognizing physical signs like specific bruising patterns in young infants is a vital skill for all caregivers and community members. Early detection and reporting remain the most effective ways to prevent long-term harm to children.
Further reading
For additional context on infant safety and resources, visit the Babies section.
More information
For more information on the screening rule, visit the child abuse reporting portal.
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Do you believe mandatory child abuse reporting requirements are effective at keeping children safe?
