April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and calls are down, but experts are worried
Say cases could 'skyrocket' once stay-home orders are lifted
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Every April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and Central Oregon law enforcement and child abuse prevention organizations say it’s critical to recognize this year because of the impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on families.
The Oregon Department of Human Services released data indicating that calls to the child abuse hotline have dropped 70 percent since the mandated closure of K-12 schools. In Central Oregon, local law enforcement agencies have also acknowledged the decline in reporting of child abuse.
According to the KIDS Center, this decline in reports is attributed to children’s lack of daily contact with teachers, counselors, and school staff members, who are mandatory reporters of abuse and neglect.
eMany cases are likely going unrecognized and therefore unreported. Since physical distancing mandates have been in effect, children are less likely to be seen by others, outside of their immediate family.
“We know that as the pandemic continues to evolve, and as added personal, emotional, and financial stress and uncertainty mounts for families, it is only a matter of time until the real impact to children becomes known and reports of abuse and neglect begin to skyrocket,” said Gil Levy, KIDS Center executive director.
If you suspect abuse or neglect, please call the Department of Human Services or your local law enforcement agency to make a report.
During these unprecedented times, stress is affecting families by mass unemployment, food insecurity, and illness. When there is increased stress in a household, there is an increased risk of abuse on children.
In the Central Oregon area, we have resources available to us such as the KIDS Center and MountainStar Family Relief Nursery. If you or someone you know needs resources:
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News release from the Oregon Department of Human Services:
HONORING CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH WITH A CELEBRATION OF PARTNERSHIPS
SALEM, Ore. -- Each April, the Oregon Department of Human Services, Child Welfare program honors the important work being done across the state to prevent child abuse. While public coordination for events is not happening in the same way this year, we continue to collaborate with partners for child safety.
Organizations such as Oregon CASA Network, Oregon Child Abuse Solutions, the Oregon Association of Relief Nurseries, and Prevent Child Abuse Oregon are just a handful of our important partners.
These organizations create educational opportunities on preventing abuse, provide tangible support for families in need, are child-focused collaborative spaces for children who have experienced abuse, and offer advocacy for children who have entered care. They, and many other partners, such as teachers, health care professionals, and all community members play an enormous part in child safety.
"Everyone can play a part in strengthening families," said Rebecca Jones Gaston, DHS Child Welfare Director. "While the Child Welfare agency plays a specific role, I want to honor the work that is being done in the larger system of child safety and encourage all Oregonians to be active in preventing child abuse."
We are a stronger child welfare system because of our partnerships. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the DHS Child Welfare Program continues to operate the 24/7 statewide Child Abuse hotline and respond to reports of abuse and neglect while working with community partners to maintain support to families. Child Welfare has also launched a COVID-19 resources website to help connect resources and communicate practice changes with partners across the state.
DHS encourages community members to check in with families, when able to do so safely, through phone, email, or by safe distance.
If you suspect a child is being abused, please contact the Child Abuse Hotline at 1-855-503-(SAFE)7233.
Resource Links:
Oregon CASA Network: https://oregoncasanetwork.org/
Oregon Child Abuse Solutions (formerly Oregon Network of Child Abuse Intervention Centers): https://oregoncas.org/
Prevent Child Abuse Oregon: https://preventchildabuseoregon.org/
Oregon Association of Relief Nurseries: https://www.oregonreliefnurseries.org/
