April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and with the COVID-19 pandemic forcing families to stay at home, children may be even more vulnerable.
Dan Wertz, director of McKean County Human Services, and District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer are asking members of the public to be even more vigilant about child abuse.
Often times, child abuse is reported by people who see the child at school or church, but these safety nets have disappeared for many children because they are confined to their homes.
“Law enforcement and Children and Youth Services continue to investigate reports of child abuse,” read a joint release from the two. “We have a group of exceptional service providers such as the YWCA, (Children’s Advocacy Center), and BRMC who continue to provide services to child victims.”
“The stay-at-home order is expected to ‘flatten the curve,’ but it requires us to call on the community to be vigilant about child abuse,” the release noted. “Anyone can report child abuse. And we are asking all people who have contact with children to pay attention and report any suspicions about abuse.”
Certain professionals are classified as “mandated reporters” under the law, meaning that people who come into contact with children, such as teachers, are required to report suspicions of child abuse to the state child abuse hotline called Childline. Of course, mandated reporters still report any such suspicions as required.
“But, more than ever, we are calling on everyone who sees a child to be aware that you may be the only outside adult that sees that child for weeks at a time,” the release noted. “Abuse could remain hidden if people do not act on their suspicions. It is so important that each one of us pays extra attention to every child we may see. Everyone’s travel is limited and so are the people that may see a child outside of your own family.”
Trained reporters, like teachers, may not see a child in person, but only over video. The people who are likely to see a child in person now are mail carriers, store clerks or restaurant delivery drivers.
“These are the people that are now on the forefront of our fight against child abuse,” the release noted. Mandated reporters are required to call Childline at 1-800-932-0313.
“If you see something that does not feel right to you, please report it to 911 or Childline at the number,” the release indicated. “If you know of a child who you believe is at high risk for abuse — factors that can lead to that would include domestic violence in the home, alcohol or drug abuse, or past incidents of violence — please come up with a plan to check on that child. At a minimum, place a phone call or video chat.”
The officials noted that with children spending more time online, they are more susceptible to online predators.
“Parents are urged to set rules for internet use, such as requiring internet use to occur only in a common area of the house rather than the child’s bedroom and only when a parent is present,” the release noted.
“All of us are facing unique, unplanned challenges associated with this crisis. There continues to be a network of professionals and community partners that are available to assist individuals with dealing with those stressors — some of which may contribute to child abuse.”
The McKean County Collaborative Board has a Facebook page where resources can be accessed. Resources are available through the county’s website, mckeancountypa.org under the Covid-19 link at “community resources.”
For additional resources, dial 211 or text your zip code to 898-211 or go to https://pa211nw.org/.
“Everyone knows that the current pandemic has created a life we have never seen before,” the release read. “This is also true for child abuse prevention efforts. Predators should know that the community has its eyes open, parents are vigilant and law enforcement, Children and Youth Services and service providers are relentless in their efforts.
“If you suspect abuse, please call 1-800-932-0313 or 911.”
