Differential response: a new sort of strategy designed to slow our child-abuse epidemic
April is Child Abuse Prevention month and serves as a reminder that there are things we all can do to protect and enrich the lives of our children. In 2008, more than 100 children in Kern County were victims of child abuse and/or neglect each week. Given anticipated further reductions in child welfare and social service program funding, and the increased stress that difficult economic times are placing on families, it is crucial that community members, public and private agencies, schools, community-based organizations, churches and businesses rally to help build and sustain healthy families.
Kern's differential response program is an effective, research-based strategy to prevent abuse -- an outstanding example of how Child Protective Services, the Kern County Network for Children, Clinica Sierra Vista and the Kernville Union, city of Taft and Richland School Districts are working to improve child safety. Differential response expands the ability of CPS to respond differently to suspected reports of child abuse/neglect, by assisting families at the first signs of trouble. Differential response families receive a range of supportive services, as well as linkages for at-risk families to counseling, parenting education, job training, food and housing assistance. To assist these families with groceries, clothing and household items, Chevron and The Bridge church have made generous donations. Another partner is First 5 Kern, which will provide the fiscal year 2010-2011 funds necessary to maintain service levels despite state and local budget cuts.
During 2008-2009, 1,241 families and 3,872 children throughout the county received differential response services. An analysis of records demonstrated that only 16.2 percent of Kern families that received services had one or more subsequent referrals to CPS versus 31.4 percent of families referred to differential response and did not receive differential response services.
The number of children entering Kern's foster care system has decreased by 27.2 percent since 2002. Aside from saving children from incurring the human costs associated with abuse and neglect, differential response is generating significant savings by reducing annual foster care entry rates and out-of-home care payment costs.
Despite the availability of child abuse prevention services, the reality is that some families will not use them in time. Our children need individuals to decide to make a difference. Here are ways we can all prevent child abuse and neglect:
* Know what child abuse is, and what the signs are. Physical and sexual abuse clearly constitute maltreatment, but so does neglect, or the failure of parents or others to provide food, clothing and care. Children can also be emotionally abused when they are rejected, berated or continuously isolated. Unexplained injuries aren't the only signs of abuse. Depression, fear of a certain adult, difficulty trusting others or making friends, sudden changes in eating or sleeping patterns, inappropriate sexual behavior, poor hygiene, secrecy and hostility are often signs.
* Report abuse. If you witness a child being harmed, if a child tells you about abuse, or if you merely suspect abuse, call the CPS hotline 631-6011, or 911.
* Encourage help. If you know a family that is experiencing stress and is in need of food, financial aid, utility assistance, housing, counseling, parent education, child care, clothing, etc., encourage them to call 211, Kern's comprehensive information and referral service.
* Discipline your children thoughtfully. Never discipline your child when you are upset. Remember that discipline is a way to teach. Show children and other adults that conflicts can be settled without hitting or yelling.
* Support prevention efforts. Share your time and concern by volunteering with agencies and organizations throughout Kern County. Sign up to rock babies, mentor a teen mom, become a foster parent, donate items children and families need, assist at a Family Resource Center or share your talents.
For more information or ways that you can make a difference in our community, visit www.kerncares.org or call the KCNC at 636-4488.
Tom Corson is executive director of the Kern County Network for Children, a partnership of local government, schools, businesses and communities working together on behalf of children.
