Working together, we can help prevent child abuse. As a collective group, we must be aware of the tragic static; 1 in 7 children suffers abuse or neglect. We all play a role in improving this tragedy. Pediatricians play an important role in identifying and preventing child abuse. Dr. Dickerson at Freeman Health System works closely with the Children’s Center in Joplin, improving the lives of children who have suffered abuse and neglect.
Joplin, MO – April is national Child Abuse Prevention Month recognizing the importance of families and communities working together to strengthen families to prevent child abuse and neglect. Although accidents do happen when children play, sometimes bruises or broken bones can be a sign of abuse. Pediatricians are in a unique position to identify and prevent child abuse. Dr. Amanda Dickerson, a pediatrician at Freeman Children’s Clinic is a collaborating physician for the Children’s Center in Joplin, a non-profit organization serving victims of physical and sexual child abuse.
“Nationally, at least 1 in 7 children have experienced child abuse or neglect in the last year,” said Dr. Dickerson. “Pediatricians can help with identifying abused children with suspicious injuries who present for care, reporting suspected abuse to Child Protective Services for investigation and supporting families who are affected by child abuse.”
Identifying suspected abuse and reporting reasonable suspicions to CPS can be one of the most challenging and difficult responsibilities for the pediatrician. Yet early identification and intervention to protect abused children has the potential to stop the abuse and secure the child’s safety and mitigate toxic stress in victims, and in some cases, early recognition of abuse can be life-saving.
“Our role as pediatricians is to support families,” said Dr. Beth Garrett, Freeman Children’s Clinic. “Abuse is more likely when families are under stress. When we can put supports in place like WIC or Parents as Teachers that helps. I think we also have to let them know that it is okay to ask for help. Freeman pediatricians now have Alexa McNeely, a community health worker, to whom we can refer patients and she will help with resources as well.”
Children’s Bureau, an office of the Administration for Children and Families, announced the theme “Thriving Children and Families: Prevention with a Purpose.” Blue pinwheels have been planted and are a symbol for child abuse prevention and awareness.
The Missouri Child Abuse and Neglect Annual Report for 2020 shows nearly 56 thousand Children’s Division reports affecting more than 78 thousand children with 47 fatalities. In Jasper County, those reports number 1,557 with one fatality.
Likewise, Missouri Child Advocacy Centers served more than 9,100 children in 2019. More than 6,000 children reported sexual abuse and 2,400 reported physical abuse.
Factors and characteristics placing a child at risk for maltreatment include a parent with:
– low self-esteem
– poor impulse control
– substance or alcohol abuse
– depression
– poor knowledge of child development
– unrealistic expectations for the child
Environmental factors can also place a child at risk, including:
-social isolation
– poverty
– a single-parent household
– a home with a nonbiologically related male living there
– a home with intimate partner violence
Children who have emotional or behavioral difficulties, a chronic illness, developmental disabilities or were an unplanned pregnancy are also considered at risk.
Additionally, pediatricians can also help by coordinating with other professionals and community agencies to provide immediate and long-term treatment to victimized children, offering court testimony, giving preventative care and anticipatory guidance in the advocating for policies and programs that support families and protect vulnerable children.