Child abuse is a difficult subject to talk about. It’s upsetting to think that our precious, vulnerable children are sometimes failed by their caretakers in life-threatening ways. But because April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, now is the time to open this critical dialogue.[1]
In every state, a complex network of protections exists to monitor children who may be in danger of being harmed or neglected; however, independent research suggests those protections should be stronger. A study conducted by the Associated Press (AP) in 2014 uncovered at least 786 child deaths in the United States over six years in cases where social services were already aware of dangerous family circumstances. The AP’s research also suggested these fatalities may be underreported.[2]These alarming statistics indicate a need to carefully examine our systems for protecting children in New York State.
Before we can act, we need to better understand which parts of our state’s social services are effectively protecting children and which need to be improved. That’s why I’ve introduced legislation that would require the commissioner of the Office of Children and Family Services, alongside the Department of Health, to conduct a study of child fatalities that stem from abuse and neglect when risky conditions have already been identified and investigations opened (A.9527). By gathering this information, we can learn how to better manage and empower the agencies that monitor such troubling situations.
Our state has already demonstrated leadership in preventing child abuse through programs like the New York State Children and Family Trust Fund and Healthy Families New York. But we should make every possible effort to ensure the safety of our kids. I will continue working to expand our understanding of effective child abuse prevention and create policies to better protect children across the state.
you suspect child abuse or neglect, call Onondaga County’s Child Abuse Hotline at 315-422-9701 or 1-800-342-3720. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. And if you have questions or concerns about this or any other community issue, please don’t hesitate to contact me at StirpeA@assembly.state.ny.us or by calling 452-1115.