Child abuse is everyone's business
A Multi-Agency Taskforce put together an awareness program, held at the Lenoir County Courthouse Atrium to spread the word about Child abuse and Maltreatment locally and statewide. Their goal it to continue sharing information until no child is abused or neglected in this community. A panel made up of Retired Chief District Court Judge Beth Heath, Foster Parent Meg Pileggi, 18-21 year old program member Jamie Flores, District Administrator Sabastian Ratliff, Program Manager Lara Beth Blalock who answered questions facilitated by DSS Director Brittany Naylor.
The Event headed up by Family Court Administrator Katie Stroud and a host of community members from RADD, Recovery Court, DSS, GAL and The Recovery Center addressed the startling facts related to Child Abuse and Maltreatment in NC. According to data provided by the Children’s Welfare League of America in 2022 North Carolina had 107,536 total referrals for Child Abuse and neglect. Of those 62,304 were screened for response by CPS- Child Protective Services. 23,134 were found to be child victims of abuse or neglect at a rate of 10.1 children per 1000 children. Of that 23,134, 15, 590 were first time victims. The largest age group of child victims were less than one year old representing 2939 children of the 23,134 children.
Ms. Naylor reported children in the first three years of life are the most vulnerable as it relates to abuse and neglect because these children many times cannot voice that they are being harmed. This makes them more vulnerable than a child who can report their victimization. There is hope though and it comes from you in the community. In North Carolina anyone who suspects a child is being abuse or neglected has a obligation to report that suspicion to the Department of Social Services. DSS will investigate if they find merit and provide assistance to the family. They are not there to remove children, they are there to assist families. This can only be done with the help of the community. There is a desperate need for foster families in Lenoir County and across the state.
Judge Heath, Mrs. Pileggi and Ms. Blalock all agreed that the most satisfying part of their work is being able to see families get the services they need so children can return home safely. When this happens it is best for the children, best for the families and best for the communities. It is truly a beautiful thing. You can be a part of supporting families who struggle in your community. Support families and family programs in your community. Together we can make this a safe community for our children.
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