Kentucky Will Observe TEN-4 Day on October 4

The campaign teaches residents how to identify bruising patterns that may indicate child abuse in infants.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Babies

Gouache-painted illustration of cupped wooden hands holding a smooth stone, evoking a sense of protective support and community vigilance. — Kentucky officials have designated October 4 as TEN-4 Day to promote public awareness regarding the identification and reporting of warning signs of infant abuse. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Kentucky officials have proclaimed October 4 as TEN-4 Day to raise public awareness about the early physical warning signs of child abuse. This annual initiative serves as a reminder of the state requirement for all adults to report suspected mistreatment.

Why it matters

Early recognition of injuries is a critical prevention tool for child mistreatment. This observance highlights the importance of knowing what physical signs warrant concern and how to report them to protect infants.

The TEN-4-FACESp clinical screening method is an evidence-based tool used to identify bruising on the torso, ears, and neck of infants age 4 months or younger. This method helps distinguish accidental marks from potential physical trauma.

The players

Kentucky Child Protective Services

The state agency responsible for receiving and investigating reports of child abuse and neglect.

The details

The TEN-4-FACESp acronym guides caregivers and professionals in spotting suspicious bruising on the torso, ears, and neck, particularly in infants who are not yet mobile. Recognizing these patterns is essential, as bruising in these specific locations on a young infant is a clinical red flag that requires medical evaluation. Public education efforts focus on these physical indicators to prompt timely professional intervention when neglect or abuse is suspected.

The campaign originated in Kentucky in 2019.
TEN-4 Day is observed annually on October 4.
Virtual training on head trauma takes place on October 6.
Virtual training on head trauma takes place on October 8.

Health Landscape

This awareness initiative functions within the broader framework of Kentucky state law, which mandates that all adults report suspected child abuse. It represents an ongoing public health effort to translate clinical screening tools into community-level prevention and reporting behaviors.

All Kentucky residents are encouraged to learn the physical signs of abuse, such as bruising on the torso, ears, or neck of infants under 4 months. If you suspect abuse, contact Kentucky Child Protective Services at 1-877-597-2331.

The takeaway

Recognizing specific bruising patterns is a vital skill for protecting non-mobile infants from physical harm. Keep the reporting number, 1-877-597-2331, saved in your phone as a simple safety measure.