April has been designated as Child Abuse Prevention Month in North Carolina, and the Scotland County Department of Social Services is making an effort to stop the abuse of children in the county with special programs and activities held throughout the month. With more than 100,000 children reported annually as being abused or neglected statewide, county DSS workers have seen a steady increase in abuse cases with each passing year.
DSS Social Work Supervisor Wendy Stanton has seen a change for the worst since joining the agency in 2001.
"For the fiscal year 2005-2006 we saw a monthly average of 61 children in foster care," Stanton said, "and last year it was up to an average of 73. We currently have 77 placed in foster care.
"In Scotland County's fiscal year 2007-2008, a total of 1113 children reported abuse, neglect, and dependence. Out of those reported, 832 were unsubstantiated or found to have no abuse, neglect, or dependence in the home and 186 were substantiated or found to have abuse, neglect, or dependence in the home. This is a big problem, and I have seen these numbers increase every year since I began working here eight years ago."
Stanton cites two major factors behind the reason for the increase.
"One is a lack of community resources designed to educate the batterer," Stanton said. "We have programs in place such as a domestic violence and rape crisis center for victims of abuse, but we need to provide services to the perpetrators of violence as well. Another reason for child abuse is the economy. With the high unemployment rates in the area, we see an increase in stress levels, which sometimes leads to abuse."
Throughout the month, the DSS will kick off a series of events designed to increase community awareness of the issue, beginning with the third annual Family Fun Day, to be held April 4 from 1 to 4 p.m. on the DSS grounds. There will be games for children, and free food will be served. A number of county agencies will be in attendance at informational tables, including the Laurinburg Police Department, the fire department, emergency management services, the autism society, the literacy council, and more. The health department will provide free child car seat checks to all interested parties.
"Child abuse is an issue that effects us all," Stanton said. "As an adult, your job is to make sure that children are safe and that your community has adequate resources to help families. Child abuse is preventable; our community can prevent child abuse and neglect by supporting proven programs that help strengthen families and help parents create safe, nurturing home environments."
One of the agencies scheduled to appear at the Family Fun Day event is the Scotland County Literacy Council. Executive Director Mark Gretch commented on the link that sometimes exists between illiteracy and abuse.
"If you're not a good reader, chances are you're going to have to deal with a lot of other issues," Gretch said. "Frustration levels build up, and the family can suffer as a result.
"These times are hard for everyone, but particularly for someone who is impoverished and further disenfranchised because they can't read. Add children to the mix and there is the potential for a connection between abuse and illiteracy."
In addition to Family Fun Day, the Department of Social Services will sponsor a candlelight service April 23, and will participate in the annual Sunday in the Park on May 3. Authorities will make presentations to schools to educate both students and professionals on signs of abuse and neglect, as well as how to report suspected cases. An art and poetry contest will be sponsored in the school system, with three $20 gift certificates to Wal-Mart awarded to the high school, middle school and primary school winners.
Stanton encourages everyone to come to Family Fun Day on Saturday.
"Bring the family, bring the kids, and enjoy this free, fun, educational event. We will have free hot dogs, popcorn, cookies and drinks, and we hope to see you there."
The Scotland County Department of Social Services is located at 1405 West Boulevard in Laurinburg.
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