CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT

Boone County Health Report Card 2000

Grade: B

Issue Statement:

In 1988, 55 children were victims of physical abuse in Boone County, 98 were victims of neglect and 28 were victims of sexual maltreatment. It is important to note that these are only the case that may have been confirmed by the state Department of Social Services. In fact, the numbers may be significantly higher. The rate of suspected child abuse per 100 in 1998 for Boone County was 6.8, rating it 37th in the state. That same year, there were 6.5 out-of-home placements per 1000 children, ranking it 78th in the state.

Baseline Analysis:

The rate of child abuse and neglect in Boone County regarding physical and sexual abuse and neglect has changed somewhat since the previous year. In 1997, there were 70 children who were victims of neglect as compared to 98 children in 1998. This is a 7% increase. The reverse is true for sexual maltreatment. In 1997, 44 children were victims of sexual maltreatment as compared to 28 children in 1998. This is a 6.3% decrease. Physical abuse remained virtually unchanged. Our state ranking in suspected child abuse and neglect improved in 1998. Boone County was ranked 45th in the state in 1997 and 37th in 1998. Out-of-home placements per 100 remained virtually unchanged.

Description of the Issue:

Child abuse and neglect reports in Boone Country have remained consistent. It is apparent, however, that confirmed cases of child neglect are on the rise. Neglect is defined as failure to provide, by those responsible for the care, custody, and care necessary for his well being. Neglect can be caused by a variety of issues in a family. Substance abuse, for instance, is prevalent in over 50% of the cases that come to our attention. This accounts for many of the neglect cases in 1998.

Progress Statement:

The establishment of the Regional Child Advocacy Center continues to be our greatest accomplishment. This center serves as a safe, home-like setting where children who are alleged victims of abuse and/or neglect can be interviewed. A total of 183 children have been seen at the Advocacy Center since it opened August 24, 1998.

The Advocacy Center began serving surrounding counties in the fall of 1999. It is available for counties outside of Boone to utilize for their investigations. The Advocacy Center has contracted with two local therapists to conduct forensic interviews of the children is requested.

The Advocacy Center was able to begin conducting medical/SAFE Care examinations of children in September 1998. Dr. Lori Frasier, a physician at UMC Green Meadows Clinic, is available every Friday to conduct medical examinations. This component allows the child to be interviewed and have a medical exam completed at the same facility. It has proved to be extremely beneficial in assisting children in feeling more comfortable in a difficult situation.

Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness month was held in April 1999. The child abuse and neglect committee handed out blue ribbons to individuals in the community asking them to support child abuse prevention in Boone County. The County Commission issued a proclamation declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness month. Family Day was held at Twin Lakes in conjunction with Victims of Crime week, and there was a tree dedication at the Advocacy Center where Mayor Darwin Hindman spoke recognizing child abuse and neglect.

Team members continue to work towards educating the community about child abuse and neglect. Presentations were made to 11 local schools in 1999 informing administrators and staff of their responsibilities as a mandated reporter of child abuse and neglect. The investigation process is also explained in this presentation. Representatives of law enforcement, family courts, prosecuting attorneys, Division of Family Services, and the Advocacy Center take part in these presentations.

Division of Family Services (DFS) representatives continue to work with the 10 Caring Community schools along with several other schools not involved in the Caring Community program. DFS staff has served as liaisons with these schools in providing information concerning DFS, answered questions pertaining to child abuse and income maintenance, and have been available to conduct "in-service" training. These liaisons have been extremely beneficial in keeping the lines of communication open between the schools and DFS.

Correspondence with mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect still continues to occur as to the status and outcome of the reported cases. Mandated reporters are individuals who are required by state law to report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect.

Goals:

To reduces the incidents of child abuse and neglect in Boone Country.

To educate the community about child abuse and neglect.

Focus on the prevention of child abuse and neglect.

Strategies:

Recognize and promote Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness month in April 2000.

Obtain a grant to focus prevention by way of Public Service Announcements.

Team members will continue to educate mandated reporters on their responsibilities to report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect through school presentations and by providing printed materials to licensed daycare facilities.

The Regional Child Advocacy Center will continue to serve as a sage place for children to be interviewed and examined who are suspected victims of child abuse or neglect. Additional medical personnel will be added to increase the amount of medical/SAFE Care examinations that can be performed at the center.

The establishment of a severe trauma team that would respond to severe physical abuse. This would be patterned after the Child Fatality Review Team.

DFS will continue to correspond to mandated reporters the outcome of reports and will continue serving as liaisons to the 10 Caring Community Schools. Liaisons will be established with the remaining schools during the 200-2001 school year.

Develop an awareness campaign regarding child abuse and neglect for youth sporting activities.

Contacts:

Lynne Cole - Program Director, Children's Services, Division of Family Services, 882-9160.

Andy Anderson - Chairperson. Interagency Council on Child Abuse and Neglect, Boone County Sheriff's Department, 875-1111.

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Last Revised: 07 April 2000