Financial stress,
substance abuse
contributing factors
in neglect

MARSHALL COUNTY – It’s never okay, no matter the excuse or half-hearted justification; it’s never okay to abuse a child. It’s a lesson the state of Kentucky would do well to remember. According to a recent study by the Every Child Matters Education Fund, Kentucky has the highest rate of child mortality rate due to abuse and neglect than any other state in the union—four of every 100,000 children in the state in 2007.

It’s a dismal picture, though not without it’s contributing factors said Kelly Cox, Social Services Clinician at the Cabinet for Families and Children in Benton. Cox said often in the cases she and other investigators see, underlying issues of substance abuse, mental instability or economic struggle are present in a suspected case of abuse or neglect.

“We saw a marked increase after some of the larger places like Fleetwood had shut down or laid off employees,” Cox said. “The economy plays a huge factor right now. We’ve had a definite increase from last year to this year.”

More than abuse, Cox said the biggest problem on the rise in the area has been child neglect.

“We see a lot of things where people just don’t exercise common sense,” Cox said. “Instances such as people leaving their babies in a car.”

And while Cox said there are cases of unintentional mistreatment, very often the problem is recurring, though the warning signs may vary. Cox said a decline in the overall hygiene of a child is a solid warning sign that something may be wrong. Continued truancy issues, environmental neglect (such as cleanliness of the home) and medical neglect are also common forms of neglect.

In more severe cases and those of physical abuse, Cox said significant behavioral changes such as regression in bathroom habits or unexplained and recurrent bruising may be an indication of abuse. Children may often be afraid to return home or flinch easily at sudden movements.

The important thing to remember Cox said when speaking to a child one suspects is abused is to remain attentive and pay attention to what the child says. Don’t interrogate the child.

“Most kids, it doesn’t really take a lot of pulling,” Cox said. “Get them to talk openly, and let them know, above all, that they’re safe and you’ll listen to what they have to say.”

However, the biggest obstacle Social Services investigators face comes from the public at large.

“Most of the time, folks don’t want to get involved,” Cox said. “They tend to turn a ‘blind-eye’ to the problem. Most people don’t understand that they can remain anonymous. We won’t and can’t disclose our sources without a court order.”

Cox said lack of information is another hindrance in the investigation process. Often, those who do call do not provide enough detail for investigators to assess the situation properly.

“Detail is key,” Cox said. “Give as much information as you possibly can. Paint a picture of what you’re seeing.”

Another barrier investigators face Cox said is the misconception that Social Services actively seeks to dismantle a family.

“Our goal first and foremost is to keep families together safely,” Cox said. “We use services to help them succeed in that – whatever area they need assistance in.”

Reporting abuse is crucial, Cox said. During business hours, concerned residents should call the Centralized Intake office at 1-877-597-2331. Cox said the child abuse hotline is always available, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and someone will always get the message.

“We always have our pagers on,” Cox said. “People should not forget their local law enforcement, either. If you see something occur or feel the issue is imminent, don’t hesitate to call.”

The child abuse hotline can be reached at 1-800-752-6200.