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EDITORIAL: Protecting our children: Kentuckians must do more to fix child abuse problems

Richmond Register - 4/20/2018

April 20--Kentucky, we have a problem. And this time, it is not the drug epidemic.

The Commonwealth has the second highest rate of child abuse in the nation -- more than double the national average.

Almost 20 of every 1,000 children in the state were abused, according to the "Child Maltreatment 2016" report released recently by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services' Children's Bureau.

How could it get worse? Officials weren't shocked as Kentucky always tends to be near the top of the nation in child abuse rates.

That has to change.

While there are certain rankings where a state wants to be near the top, child abuse is not one.

Child abuse occurs at every socioeconomic level. In most cases, it isn't one single circumstance that leads to abuse.

Typically, it's a combination of factors that cause high stress levels in the family, which could include a lack of education, money troubles, or a variety of other stressors. Drug abuse is a big determinant and most cases in family court involve drugs.

However, the problems don't stop or start there.

Budget cuts have put a strain on the system put in place to protect our most vulnerable. Strain on social workers has resulted in much turnover.

Yet, we as a community can help.

In fact, anyone in Kentucky who suspects a child is being abused is required to report it by law. In cases where people are suspicious but aren't sure, make the call.

"You could be part of saving a child's life," said family court judge Nora J. Shepherd.

There are numerous organizations that can help both children and parents.

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) uses community trained volunteers to advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children within the family court system. The organization's main goal is to break the cycle of abuse. In Madison County, we're fortunate to have this organization advocating for our children.

"It's so important for these children to have a person who stays with them," said Victoria Benge, CASA of Madison County executive director.

Another that is instrumental in the fight against child abuse and neglect is the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS). The social workers with CHFS investigate claims of abuse and neglect, and make referrals on the best course of action for the affected children.

County attorney's offices prosecute those accused of abuse or neglect and, in Madison County, assistant county attorney Jubal Miller has worked on family court cases for more than 20 years. Deputy circuit clerk Debbie Agee also has worked in the court for decades.

The HANDS program through the Madison County Health Department is another resource for families of young children. HANDS is a home visitation program that assists parents during their child's first two years of life.

For those parents who need help, reach out. There is nothing wrong with asking for help.

In 2016, Kentucky saw a total of 102,990 referrals to child protective services, according to the report. About half (50.4 percent) resulted in reports. In 2017, 509 children in Madison County were abused or neglected, according to CASA.

While April is Child Abuse Awareness Month, we must work on this problem every day, every month. We need to see those numbers decrease.

We must be aware, we must advocate and we must become involved. We must protect our children as they are our future.

To report suspected child abuse in Kentucky, call 877-KY-SAFE1 (597-2331). The national abuse hotline can be reached at 800-4-A-CHILD (422-4453).

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(c)2018 the Richmond Register (Richmond, Ky.)

Visit the Richmond Register (Richmond, Ky.) at richmondregister.com

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