Child+Abuse+Prevention

Syndal Morris Sonja Mack English 112 6 February 2012 Child Abuse Prevention Child protective services and the local county sheriff departments are working together to help reduce the rates for child abuse in the area. Walking into every physical injury case with the mindset that there could be a possibility for child abuse will help assure that all cases of abuse are found. Extra suspicion for all cases with possible child abuse will show a decrease in the amount of deaths per year due to abuse in Northern Michigan. The rate of child abuse and neglect rose by more than one-third (33.3%) in Michigan during the past decade, and approximately 38% specifically in Northern Michigan. The rates for child abuse and neglect will continue to increase if state officials are not more strict with every case, no matter how small. It has been proven that children who experience child abuse are 59% more likely to be arrested as a juvenile, 28% more likely to be arrested as an adult, and 30% more likely to commit a violent crime. The amount of deaths and crime influenced by abuse is increasing--something needs to be done. These statistics show that it is crucial that Michigan law enforcement gives more attention and suspicion to cases that could possibly involve abuse. When it comes to the safety of children in our society, child protective services can never be too cautious. Some would say that the increased suspicion with child abuse and neglect is unnecessary, because “kids will be kids” and they will get bruises. Some mothers feel that they shouldn’t have to watch their child's every move, in fear of being charged with child abuse. The way I see it, extra caution is better than none at all--being more strict with abuse will make parents more cautious of their children’s safety. It may be difficult to try and keep a 5 year old boy from getting bruised, and child protective services will acknowledge that, but when a 1 year old boy has bad bruising, prepare to be questioned. It is typical for a five year old child to venture off and get bruised and scraped, but parents of toddlers should be monitoring them enough to where this doesn't happen. Innocent parents don't need to fear being accused of abuse, if they have nothing to hide they shouldn't worry. Rebecca Dionne, of Antrim County Child Protective Services, says “ If you are trained, you will almost always have a gut feeling when you walk into a home with abuse, and there is almost always clear evidence, you just have to know where to look”. Rebecca also explained that around Northern Michigan almost all cases are obvious, such as, drugs laying out on the counter, or a bruised hand print on the child’s face. Around here, the majority of parents don’t try too hard to hide their issues, like the ones you see on the news. Also, the majority of abuse she sees around our area is due to drugs and alcohol. By being more consciences with child abuse and neglect, Northern Michigan's child protective services hopes to better assure the safety of children. “The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, as amended by The Keeping Children and Families Safe Act of 2003, defines child abuse and neglect as, at minimum: any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker, which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse, or exploitation; or act or failure to act, which presents an imminent risk of serious harm”. Physical abuse is any non accidental injury, ranging from minor cuts and bruises, to severe fractures or death. There is also sexual abuse, which is any sexual act on a minor, or any unwilling act on an adult; and emotional abuse, which is any type of verbal assault, ignoring, or constant family conflict. Child abuse can happen anywhere, and that is why it is important to be extra cautious. It can occur in a poor, middle, or well off homes, in rural or urban areas. Statistics clearly show that by cracking down on child abuse, many negatives may be avoided. 14 % of all men in prison in the USA were abused as children, and 36% of women. Abused children are 25% more likely to experience teen pregnancy, and abused teens are less likely to practice safe sex, putting them at a greater risk for STDs. Also, as many as two-thirds of the people in treatment for drug abuse reported being abused or neglected as children. Therefore, the extreme enforcement of abuse and neglect caution will better the Northern Michigan community in many ways. Child abuse can be prevented. By having child abuse in mind when dealing with any possible case, the percentage of deaths due to child abuse in Michigan will decrease. The cracking down on child abuse isn’t a plot to take away the children of innocent parents, it is a plan to better ensure the safety of all children and give them the life they deserve. When it comes to the safety of children in our society, child protective services can never be too cautious.