Recognizing & Reporting Child Abuse, Neglect

By Cassie Johnson

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and a great time to get involved to learn what you can do to help recognize, prevent, and stop abuse in our community. We all have a role to play and an obligation to protect children. Those subjected to abuse the most are the vulnerable ages of birth through five years. At this innocent age, young children are often unable to escape a predator or ask for help.

For the third year in a row, 2019 statistics show Kentucky leads the nation in child abuse cases: 20.1 cases per 100,000 kids. The most common type of abuse is neglect, and it comes in several different forms. It is far more than the environmental neglect of unsanitary living conditions at home.

“People tend to think that children who have been neglected will show signs of poor hygiene or be very thin and look hungry, but those are not the only ways a child can be neglected,” said Janie Criner, Executive Director of Child Watch Counseling and Advocacy Center and CASA of West Kentucky.

A child who is suffering physical neglect can show signs of abandonment, nutritional deficiencies, or might hide food for later. How a child is dressed can be a big clue of physical neglect. Red flags include not having a coat or shoes in cold or wet weather, wearing dirty, stained clothes, or clothes that are way too big or too small.

Children who have experienced emotional neglect are not nurtured or given enough affection. They may never receive something as simple as a hug or goodnight kiss at home. Name-calling, witnessing domestic violence, and belittling also fall into this category.

Educational neglect is noticed most by the school system. Frequent absences, failure to enroll, or truancy are very common. Not sufficiently attending to, or ignoring special needs is also considered neglect. Medical neglect is a caregiver’s delay or denial of healthcare. Not seeking proper dental, eye care, or withholding prescribed medications all classify as medical neglect.

Teachers are the number one reporters of abuse so, with children quarantined for much of 2020, abuse likely went unreported.

“When the schools closed, we knew reports would go down,” said Criner. “Fortunately, we did get more calls from ordinary people who were worried about things they saw. Calls from landlords, hotel managers, maintenance people, and other individuals who got a glimpse inside those living quarters and knew that the children weren’t being taken care of appropriately. Those phone calls are what it takes for children to get the help they need,”

Many people hesitate to report suspected abuse because they ask themselves “What if I’m wrong?” The question you should ask is “What if I’m right?” Even relatives hesitate to say something because they worry the report won’t stay anonymous. Child Watch encourages you to make a report. If you can’t, or feel unable to, give the information to them directly and they can place the report for you.

“If you think Child Abuse doesn’t affect you, or it’s not your problem, you’re wrong,” said Criner. “Abuse hurts a child, but ultimately can hurt the entire community. Abuse that goes unreported or unaddressed, can lead to life-long negative health outcomes for a child. Without intervention, trauma from abuse can increase the risk of physical health issues in adulthood like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.”

CASA of West Kentucky, an advocacy program, uses citizen volunteers to advocate for children who have experienced abuse. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteers are trained to evaluate the child’s needs and ensure they are met, both in the courtroom and the community. It’s easier than ever to be a CASA through ongoing virtual training. The counties of McCracken, Ballard, Livingston, and Lyon are all covered. CASA volunteers are always needed.

A drive-thru Pancakes for Prevention will be held at Child Watch on Friday, April 16. They will be giving away pancakes and pinwheels to generate awareness about preventing child abuse.

The 3rd Annual Lazy Days of Summer 0.5K is set for June 26th. Final details for this likely virtual event are still to come. Virtual CASA Boot Camp is planned for this summer so volunteers can complete their training in one week.

Educate yourself and speak up for children who can’t speak for themselves. If you suspect that abuse is occurring, report it. Kentucky law requires mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect. Professionals will investigate and determine if the abuse can be substantiated. Call 877.KYSAFE.1 or the Child Watch office at 270.443.1440 if you need help reporting.

With limited fundraising events, monetary donations make a big impact on all operations and free services Child Watch provides. Donations can be made online at childwatchcac.org or by mailing a check to their office at 1118 Jefferson Street, PO Box 1262, Paducah, KY 42002-1262. Learn the signs, pay attention to the children around you, and if you suspect abuse report it immediately. Remember, your decision may save a child’s life! �