Child abuse reports increase with back to school

Investigations of child abuse and neglect increase in August as children go back to school and have access to mandated reporters. The Child Advocacy Center of Northeast Missouri saw a 41% increase in forensic interviews last year at this time.

Hannibal, MO – While the summer is a fun, carefree time for many children, for some children it means being isolated with their abusers or in unsafe environments. Each year as school resumes, mandated reporters see children who need a safe adult in their life. The beginning of school is a time when reports of child abuse and neglect typically increase.

In 2023, The Child Advocacy Center of Northeast Missouri (CAC) saw a 41% increase in forensic interviews from July to August. The CAC partners with law enforcement and child protection agencies when there are suspicions that a child has experienced physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, or witnessed a crime. Forensic interviewers at the CAC are trained to ask questions that are needed for the investigation in a way that is non-leading and developmentally appropriate.

“Education professionals working in schools are on the front lines. They see these kids every day and have the unique opportunity to advocate for their safety and wellbeing,” says Adrena Merchant, Assistant Director of Advocacy Services at the CAC, “It’s hard to believe, but there are a lot of kids in our community who will go back to school this month looking for someone they can talk to about abuse, neglect, or even trafficking happening in their lives.”

Last August, The Child Advocacy Center’s Hannibal office held 22 forensic interviews for children disclosing maltreatment. They expect to see an uptick in referrals this year as well.

Mandated reporters are those legally bound to report suspected maltreatment of a child. In Missouri, mandated reporters are individuals who are in charge of caring for children, typically through a licensed organization. This includes educational professionals, mental health professionals, medical professionals, social workers, daycare employees, and many other roles.

“It’s important for mandated reporters to report suspicions of abuse or neglect, even if they aren’t 100% sure and let the investigating parties take over. It’s also important for those individuals not to question the child or get more people involved, which can interfere with the investigation and possible prosecution,” says Merchant.

The Child Advocacy Center is offers training for mandated reporters or anyone who would like to learn more about the signs of abuse or neglect and what to do if you suspect abuse. For more information, please contact Amy Vaughn at avaughn@cacnemo.org.

The Child Advocacy Center is hosting a Trap Shoot Tournament on October 12 at the Quincy Gun Club to raise funds to support these services. For more information about this fundraiser or other opportunities to get involved, go to www.cacnemo.org.

ABOUT THE CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER: The Child Advocacy Center of Northeast Missouri is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization based in Wentzville, Missouri. The Child Advocacy Center is a child-focused place where a comprehensive, coordinated approach is taken in response to allegations of child sexual and physical abuse occurring in their 14-county service area. Services offered include forensic interviews, children and family advocacy, mental health therapy, and school and community-based prevention education programs. For more information on The Child Advocacy Center, please visit www.cacnemo.org.