Shutdown increases child abuse concerns
By TAYLOR BROWN
tbrown@yourmvi.com
Children throughout the Mon Valley may be facing something more dangerous during the coronavirus pandemic: child abuse.
Every April, national organizations and local groups band together during Child Abuse Prevention Month to make sure the most vulnerable in society are seen, heard and protected.
A group of volunteers in Washington continues to work to make sure such abuse doesn’t go unnoticed.
CASA for Kids Inc. advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children involved in the Washington County juvenile court system.
The group trains volunteers to serve as fact-finders and speak for the children in court.
Such volunteers often see first hand the tough circumstances children sometimes face.
Gina Lynn, fundraising and marketing manager for CASA for Kids, said there could be a spike in child abuse cases during this pandemic. CASA stands for court appointed special advocates.
“Now with the governor’s announcement about schools being closed for the remainder of the year, the risk of child abuse and neglect will increase,” Lynn said. “School is a safe haven for abused and neglected children.
“It affords them the opportunity to be in a safe and inclusive environment for seven-plus hours a day, where they can wash in the restroom, be seen by the school nurse, eat breakfast and lunch and socialize with friends. It is more important than ever to raise awareness.”
Court-appointed special advocates work directly with children in the child welfare system who have experienced abuse or neglect.
The volunteers meet in person with children monthly to provide information to judges to help them make well-informed decisions about each child.
During the spread of the coronavirus, volunteers continue to find creative ways to help the youngest members of society.
“These visits provide an opportunity for CASA/GAL volunteers to check in on children’s safety and well-being,” Lynn said. “But right now, meeting in person with the children they advocate for is impossible. This means it is harder for them to gauge what is going on in children’s lives and their needs.”
CASA supervisors and volunteers have been calling the children and using technology such as FaceTime or Skype to remain in touch and involved.
CASA for Kids is also keeping the community involved.
“The spring session for volunteer training has been conducted through a teleconferencing program for the last four weeks,” Lynn said. “This has allowed 18 volunteers in training to complete the program on time.”
To help the mission, an online run/walk fundraiser launched Monday.
Participants can register at www.casawashington.org to complete a 5K on their own time and desired location to win prizes and receive a medal.
“While none of these are the perfect solutions, this kind of creativity is what will make a real difference in children’s lives,” Lynn said. “We need volunteers now more than ever and are encouraging community members to join with us either by volunteering or by helping us ensure children are safe during this time of national crisis.”
Westmoreland County Children’s Bureau Director Shara B. Saveikis said April should be a time of reflection.
“During this month, we have an opportunity to reflect on the national tragedy that is known as child abuse,” she said. “Child abuse happens to children of all ages and in all types of family situations. Children are abused physically, sexually and emotionally. Child abuse happens right here in Westmoreland County as well across the state and nation.”
Here’s a look at services around the region:
Allegheny
County
The Allegheny County Department of Human Services offers a variety of services to protect children and strengthen families and intervenes when a child’s safety is at risk.
According to the state DOH, there were 3,237 reports of child abuse in 2018, 169 of which were substantiated.
More than $50 million was spent to investigate incidents and provide general protective services and assessments.
One death was reported, and there were 14 near fatalities.
To report abuse or neglect in Allegheny County, call 412-473-2000.
Fayette County
Fayette County Children and Youth Services received 584 reports of abuse in 2018, with 66 substantiated.
The county spent approximately $1.5 million to investigate reports and provide protective services.
While no deaths or near fatalities were reported in Fayette County, 32 of the substantiated cases were suspected to be repeat abuse, three of which were confirmed.
Reports of child abuse or neglect in Fayette County can be reported anytime by calling a 24-hour hotline at 724-430-1283.
Washington County
Washington County Children and Youth Services handles cases based upon need.
In 2018, there were 591 reports of child abuse and 62 were substantiated. There were no deaths reported, but there was one near fatality.
Washington County spent more than $5.2 million to investigate cases and provide general services.
Of substantiated cases, 23 were suspected to be repeat abuse, six of which were confirmed.
Abuse or neglect in Washington County can be directly reported by calling 724-228-6884 or 911 if a child is in immediate danger.
Westmoreland County
Cases in Westmoreland County are handled by the Children’s Bureau.
In 2018, there were 1,197 reports of abuse countywide, 126 of which were substantiated.
The county reported no fatalities and one near fatality.
Of substantiated cases, 44 were suspected to be repeat abuse. Twelve of those cases were confirmed.
The county spent approximately $7.5 million to investigate reports of abuse and provide services.
Reports can be made directly to the Children’s Bureau by calling 724-830-3300.
National statistics
According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in seven children has experienced child abuse or neglect in the past year, and in 2018, nearly 1,770 children died of abuse and neglect in the United States.
The CDC said children living in poverty are five times more likely to experience abuse and neglect.
Report of abuse or neglect can also be made by calling PA ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313 or the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 or online at www.childhelp.org.
