Kentucky Will Observe TEN-4 Day on October 4
The statewide campaign educates caregivers on identifying specific red-flag bruising patterns in infants.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Babies
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Kentucky will observe TEN-4 Day on October 4 to raise awareness about preventing child mistreatment and recognizing physical warning signs. The campaign, which originated in the state in 2019, provides essential tools for caregivers and professionals to identify high-risk injuries.
Why it matters
This awareness campaign helps families and caregivers identify early indicators of abuse, which is critical for child safety. Public understanding of these clinical screening methods assists in preventing harm and ensures potential risks are reported to the appropriate authorities.
Since its origin in 2019, the campaign has highlighted the TEN-4-FACESp rule, a method for spotting bruising on the torso, ears, and neck of infants under 4 months old. Concerned residents can report suspected abuse to Kentucky Child Protective Services at 1-877-597-2331.
The players
Kentucky Child Protective Services
The state agency responsible for child welfare and the legal intake of reports regarding suspected child abuse or neglect.
The details
The TEN-4-FACESp method acts as a clinical screening tool to help the public identify suspicious bruising locations on the torso, ears, and neck. By educating adults on these specific red-flag areas, the campaign aims to facilitate early intervention for children. Specialized training sessions are also available for those interested in deeper expertise regarding abusive head trauma recognition.
Timeline
2019: The TEN-4 Day campaign originated in Kentucky.
October 4: Official TEN-4 Day observance.
October 6: Virtual training session on head trauma.
October 8: Virtual training session on head trauma.
The Home Front
This observance reinforces the Kentucky mandatory reporting law, which requires all adults to report suspected child abuse or neglect. It aligns with statewide initiatives to provide clear, actionable tools for the public to fulfill this safety responsibility.
Caregivers should familiarize themselves with the TEN-4-FACESp rule to recognize suspicious bruising on infants under 4 months. Save the number 1-877-597-2331 in your phone as a resource for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect to Kentucky Child Protective Services.
The takeaway
Raising awareness about high-risk bruising locations is a key step in protecting infants across the state. Families can participate by attending the virtual training sessions on October 6 or October 8 to better understand head trauma recognition.
Further reading
Learn more about local resources for families in our Babies section.
More information
For more information on the screening method, visit the child abuse reporting portal.
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Do you believe mandatory child abuse reporting requirements are effective at keeping children safe?
