Few complaints to child abuse hotline investigated

Jasmine Pettis 7/9/1412:00 PM

When a call comes in to a state or local child abuse hotline, chances are it will never be investigated.

A Virginian-Pilot analysis shows that of the 80,000 complaints to Hampton Roads social services departments in a recent four-year stretch, only 21 percent were investigated. Statewide, the number was even lower: 17 percent.

Records show that the more cases social workers investigate, the more often they find abuse. But many complaints end up on a track that provides services or training, instead of an inquiry into the allegations.

In some cases, the system winds up leaving children in the care of their abusers.

The only time agencies should not investigate a call is when the allegations, if true, would not constitute child abuse, said John Mattingly, former New York City Administration for Child Services commissioner and current leader of the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Child Welfare Strategy Group.

http://hamptonroads.com/2014/07/few-complaints-child-abuse-hotline-investigated

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This is incredible but consistent with my own personal observations. And the more frightening thing is that it usually takes a lot for professionals to feel comfortable enough to report so the reports that come in are going to be skewed towards the likely more serious concerns and many other canoes where there is a suspicion and a report should be make per child abuse reporting guidelines just aren't being reported. As a society, it really comes down to where we want to put limited resources.

7/10/1411:33 AM

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