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(Kentucky News Connection) A screening tool developed by medical providers is an effective way to spot signs of child abuse, and experts are raising awareness about it today.

The TEN-4 rule stands for "Torso, Ears and Neck," an easy-to-remember prompt to examine high-risk bruising on young children that should be considered as a red flag for abuse.

Tamara Brown, director of the Health Access Nurturing Development Services (HANDS) program at Family and Children's Place Jefferson County, said the home visitation program that provides resources for new or expectant parents includes education on the TEN-4 rule to help people spot any potential signs of abuse of their child or neighbors' and friends' children.

"We work with children under the age of two and prenatal families," she said, "and what we are hoping is that we can really provide a lot of support for those most vulnerable populations. Children under two are the highest-risk group for death through child abuse."

Kentucky's rate of child abuse decreased in 2022, but the number of reported abuse and neglect cases in the state still surpasses the national average, according to federal data. Around a dozen Kentucky kids out of every 1,000 experienced some form of maltreatment during 2022.

For more information on the rule, visit faceitabuse.org/ten4rule.

Dr. Melissa Currie, professor and endowed chair for pediatric forensic medicine at the University of Louisville School of Medicine, explained that bruising - particularly on babies - isn't normal. It can be a sign of something serious: If not abuse, then a bleeding disorder or even cancer.

"It does not necessarily mean that it's abuse," Currie noted. "That said, the rule helps us determine high-risk bruising with enough specificity that if a child screens positive, they definitely need medical workup, and they need it right away."

Barry Dunn, president and CEO of Kosair for Kids, the group that created the TEN-4 Day observance, said all Kentuckians have a role to play in preventing child abuse and neglect.

"We are proud of the progress that we've made. That drop is big," he said. "We've gone from worst in the nation to 14th worst. We're not going to plant a flag with that advancement, but it is a data point."

If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, contact the statewide Child Abuse Hotline at 877-597-2331 to make a report.