Child abuse and neglect remain serious public health concerns in the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, millions of children are involved in child protective services investigations each year, with neglect being the most commonly reported concern.

When Edward LaRose received a call from his daughter’s school saying she had expressed thoughts of self-harm, he didn’t panic — but he knew she needed help. Unsure where to turn, the school gave him two options: the emergency room or Wellmore Behavioral Health’s Urgent Crisis Center in Waterbury.