Child Abuse  

It takes a community  to protect a child

Each year approximately 3 million children are the subjects of abuse and neglect reports in the United States.  Three of these children die every day.  Over 90,000 reports of suspected child abuse and neglect are made to Ohio public children services agencies in Ohio each year.  Morrow County Children Services received 474 reports of abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, emotional maltreatment, and dependency in 1999.

The needs of children and the challenges their families face are diverse, pervasive, cross all socio-economic lines.  More than half of all families that come to the attention of a public children services agency in Ohio do not have the knowledge or skills needed to safely parent their children.  More than one in three of these families have an addiction to alcohol or other drugs.  This figure jumps to seven in ten for families with a child in out-of-home care.  Almost one in three of these families have committed acts of violence within their homes.  One in four of these families are homeless or live in substandard housing which poses a health hazard.  One in five of these families have a parent or child with an acute or chronic mental illness.  Many families needing support from Children Services face multiple challenges.

On any day in Ohio, there are approximately 20,000 children in out-of-home care.  Morrow County placed 67 children in out-of-home care for a portion of 1999 to provide safety for these children.  However, the family is the fundamental source for nurturing and raising children.  Families must be valued and encouraged to build upon their strengths in order to adequately meet the needs of their children. Effective child protection requires a community-wide network involving family members, Children Services, social service agencies, law enforcement, courts, schools, churches, child care resources, medical personnel, and community members.  As a community team, we have the ability to protect children and strengthen families.

Everyone can become involved in preventing child abuse and neglect.  Each of us has the opportunity, and the ability, to invest in the well-being of the children of Morrow County.  By making the commitment to act as members of a caring community family, a brighter future for our children can be ensured for generations to come.

YOU CAN HELP:

• Spend time listening to your child's thoughts, dreams, and concerns
• Express feelings in words - not fits of anger
• Laugh with your child every day
• Talk to friends, neighbors, and families about children's issues
• Offer a helping hand to children and families in need.  Provide childcare, run errands, transport children to activities, or donate food, clothing, and household items.
• Mentor a child or family.  Become a Big Brother or Big Sister.
• Foster or adopt a child in need of a temporary or permanent family.
• Support community programs for youth and families
• Volunteer at a child care center or other program serving children and families.
• Support agencies that serve children and families
• Encourage your employer to provide volunteers or financial assistance to local programs helping children and families.
• Encourage your organization, church, synagogue, or employer to sponsor educational seminars, family activities, and support groups for parents.
• Bea voice for abused and neglected children.  A call too Children Services is a request for help for children and their families (1-877-947-5437)

A call to Children Services may be the beginning of a safe and happy childhood for a child who has been living in fear or pain.  Your call could come at the beginning of a family's problems.  Services provided to the family at this early stage can prevent problems from becoming more severe.

Your report of suspected child abuse or neglect is confidential.  Children Services will no reveal your identity to those that you report.

If you suspect that a child is being abused or neglected, please call Morrow County Children Services at 1-877-947-5437 or contact your local law enforcement agency.

For more information about child abuse and neglect, or to learn how you as an individual or organization can help, please contact:

Children's Services
619 West Marion Road
Mount Gilead, Ohio 43338

(419) 947-5437 (KIDS)
(877) 947-5437 Toll Free
(419) 9475447 FAX

Emergency After Hours:
946-4444 or 946-6991