“How do social workers realize when a child is in danger?”

I would look for a change in behavior, at home or in school. If the child reverts back to regressive behaviors like wetting their pants. Asking the child if they are OK. Therapy often involves play therapy with a make-believe family, puppets, drawings, etc. Sometimes if a child feels they will get in trouble if they "tell" they may feel more comfortable if they can "act it out" in play therapy. However, if there is a suspicion that a child is in danger, it is very important that what the child tells an adult does not put them in more danger.

Anytime that we suspect that a child might be in danger, neglected or abused we are mandated by law to report our suspicions to the authorities. We look for clues that something might be happening that is harming a child, physical signs, unusual marks, cuts or bruises, flinching, fear responses or sexual acting out behaviors, hoarding food, emotional outbursts or aggression. Any behavior that might be outside the normal behaviors and any sudden changes in them.