ZANESVILLE — With children spending less time at school at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, it meant fewer abuse and neglect referrals were being called in by teachers, doctors, coaches and other mandated reporters.
That trend continued into 2021, but by the end of the year the numbers had caught back up to normal levels, said Candy Emmert, executive director of Muskingum County Adult and Child Protective Services.
While the numbers may reflect more abuse, it just means more adults are around to report potential cases for children they are required to look after, she said.
"In this past year, that has definitely improved, because kids are back to school, and they’re back to their programs and projects and in our communities," Emmert said.
Last year, the agency received more than 1,500 reports of abuse and neglect involving 2,293 children.
Substance abuse and mental health continue to be the primary concerns, making up between 80% to 90% of cases.
That's nothing new, although Emmert said the percentage of cases stemming from substance abuse and mental health is much higher than it was a decade ago. Back in those days, she said, it made up for only about half of cases.
There were 435 children in the agency’s custody last year, with nearly 40% of them placed in kinship homes. The rest were placed in foster homes. Kinship homes are typically the desired route, as kinship caregivers are adults already present in the children's lives.
Emmert asks that everyone due their due diligence to watch out for the signs of child abuse and neglect. Some signs are bruises and injuries without explanation, hunger, hygeine issues and signs of staying alone or not knowing where they will stay alone at night.
Those who suspect abuse or neglect can call 740-455-6710 at any time of day. Those interested in becoming foster parents can call the same number.
