If you drive through downtown New Philadelphia you will see pinwheels lining the steps of the Tuscarawas County Courthouse, and each one represents a local child involved in a report of abuse or neglect.
The latest statistics for child abuse awareness and response:
- Tuscarawas County Child Protective Services received 1,744 calls regarding child abuse in 2017 totaling 361 investigations, up from 299 in 2016.
- 54 children were placed into foster care, a decrease from 70 children in 2016.
- The three main reasons leading to investigations were drugs, domestic violence, and sexual abuse and in that order.
The Tuscarawas County Child Advocacy Center say 89 children for forensic interviews in 2017 following additional services and programming through CAC partnerships and program supports:
- Victim Advocate and Services Coordination with Family and Children’s First Council – 81 youth.
- Latino Youth Advocate – reached 101 youth in partnership with Latino Cultural Connection.
- Anti-Human Trafficking Coordinator – assisted with coordinated countywide training effort – 150 first responders and social service providers; coordinated monthly task force meetings and activities: 20 meetings in partnership with Compass Rape Crisis and Toward the Goal Ministries and a large network of Community Partners that are members of the Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force and provided Direct mentor to 1 youth.
- Added Multi-Disciplinary Team member – Alexa the Facility Dog – who attended 47 events, including 23 forensic interviews, 4 court hearings, multiple school visits and Job and Family Services family visits in the t3 months she joined the team in October.
April is Child Abuse Awareness Month and on April 11th the Tuscarawas County Child Advocacy Center is asking everyone to join them in wearing blue to work in support of child abuse prevention.
Michaela Madison Reporting
