State must remain vigilant in fight against child neglect amid economic turmoil

Editorials

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October 24, 2009

Anonymous The Union-Recorder Sat Oct 24, 2009, 08:00 AM EDT

A troubled economy brings scores of unfortunate consequences and byproducts that often go unnoticed except by those who are directly affected by them. Such is the case with mounting evidence of an upturn in child neglect in Georgia due to high unemployment, bankruptcies, foreclosures and overall housing problems.

Recent findings by the Associated Press reveal a 48 percent increase in the number of families receiving state assistance, either in locating living quarters or seeking some kind of employment. The effects of the economic recession have been particularly injurious to the welfare of some of Georgia’s children.

B.J. Walker, commissioner of the state Department of Human Resources, has noticed an uptick in child abuse and neglect reports. From July 2008 to the present, there have been approximately 12,000 such reports in Georgia. Sadly, there are even cases of parents going to court to give up custody of their own children. In such instances, the caregivers often do not have the wherewithal to give care.

Fortunately, hard-pressed county and state child welfare workers have been diligent in finding foster care and group home placements for most of Georgia’s children who would otherwise be homeless. Those workers have largely kept pace with the demands of harsh economic and family conditions. They are some of the same employees who themselves have been placed on state furloughs without pay. They, too, are forced to do more with less.

But there has been an alarming increase in the number of family support cases (from 85,276 in March 2008 to about 127,000 this year). Many of those cases involve locating appropriate housing for desperate families who do not want to give up their children. With economic hardship comes undue stress on both parents and children. Neglect appears to be a more pronounced problem than outright abuse during these difficult times.

As a state, Georgia has the duty to afford safe environments for all children, especially those at-risk, and to provide them the best home care possible. They need our support and vigilance at a time when they may be at greater risk due to no fault of their own. They deserve our attention if they are to overcome neglect, deprivation, abandonment and downright bad luck.

Just recently, members of the local community banded together for an event aimed at creating more awareness about domestic violence, which too often impacts our children. More than 150-participants strong, the first “Take Back the Night 5K and 10.5K Run/Walk…For A Better Life” to help spread awareness about the effects of domestic violence on the Baldwin County community and communities across the world. The message spread on that cool fall morning earlier this month must continue to take footing particularly during these times when the stresses and strains of the economy are bearing down on families all across the state.

If you fear that a child is in immediate danger of abuse or neglect, call the local police at 9-1-1. Your identity and any information you offer are strictly confidential. The Baldwin County Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) is located at 154 Roberson Mill Road in Milledgeville, and can be contacted at (478) 445-4135.

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