Every month, Child Protective Services receives about 2,000 calls from people in Kern County who suspect child abuse. But, every year the number of children killed or severely injured goes up which begs the question - Are we doing enough as a community to curb this epidemic?
92 children were murdered or severely injured over the last three years in Kern County as a result of abuse.
"When we say severe injury, we're talking about broken ribs, broken limbs, and we're talking about nine kids that died last year due to blunt force trauma under the age of five. That's a crisis," said Tom Corson, Executive Director, Kern County Network for Children.
It is an epidemic not unique to Kern. It is a trend nationwide. "Unfortunately, children are being abused and neglected by their biological parent more often than a boyfriend or girlfriend, 60% more often," said Pat Cheadle, Director, Department of Human Services.
In 2009, four children in Kern County were severely injured as a result of child abuse. None was injured by their parents. That number spiked to 20 last year, with 17 at the hands of a parent.
"There are families in place out there that are aware something is terribly wrong out there, and for some reason they are not reporting it," said Mike Maggard, 3rd District Supervisor.
Supervisor Maggard is pushing the Board of Supervisors to set aside money for intervention programs, to curb the spike in child abuse cases. One of those programs was a campaign called "Give the Secret a Voice."
The campaign was a success in the late 90's. Child Protective Services saw a huge spike in people calling in, but there wasn't enough staff to respond to the high volume of calls.
"By law, there's only certain cases they can go out on. Years ago, what would happen, no one would knock on these doors," explained Colson.
Another county program helps make sure those families don't fall through the cracks. It is called "Differential Response."
"A provider goes out and knocks on that door and asks what kind of services do they need, if any at all," continued Colson.
The program assists families at the first sign of trouble. Since it began seven years ago, the number of kids entering foster care has decreased by 25%.
But, the program could be on chopping block because of a lack of state funding. "Unless the county wants to commit to it, it could be taken away. That basically leaves no safety net. So if a CPS referral comes in and it doesn't mean CPS, that means nobody is knocking on that door and our children are in danger," said Colson.
Maggard said if the county doesn't set aside money for intervention programs, the tragic pattern of child abuse will continue.
You can report child abuse suspicions 24 hours a day. CPS says if you aren't sure, just call because the moment you talk yourself out of it, you may have just let an opportunity slip by to protect a child. The number is 631-6011. You can remain anonymous when you call.
