A 60% decrease in reports of child abuse and neglect is worrying Howard County, Maryland officials, fearful that the problem is being underreported because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
鈥漈hroughout this pandemic, we have seen the cracks and ruptures in our society exacerbated,鈥� said County Executive Calvin Ball, in a news conference in Ellicott City on Tuesday.
Ball, joined by child protective services and law enforcement officials, said the reduction in reports is unlikely to be driven by an actual decrease in abuse or neglect incidents.
鈥滳hild abuse is most frequently referred from our school systems, but with most students learning online, it can be more difficult for teachers and staff to identify abuse,鈥� Ball said.
With children learning and receiving services virtually, reporting sources don鈥檛 have the same access to children, and may not be easily able to see signs of physical and mental abuse.
鈥淒uring this pandemic, children are spending more time at home,鈥� said Stephen Liggett-Creel, director of the county鈥檚 Department of Social Services.
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Police Chief Lisa Myers said public health guidance suggests people stay at home, to reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus.
鈥淚f you鈥檙e a child in an abusive environment, staying home may not be safe at all,鈥� Myers said.
The primary concern of the agency is to ensure a child鈥檚 safety and well-being, but whenever possible, the goal is to keep families together. Myers encouraged parents reach out for resources and support if they need them.
Howard County State鈥檚 Attorney Rich Gibson said the COVID-19 pandemic has created 鈥渁 perfect storm,鈥� that has led to a decrease in reports.
鈥漌e are troubled to see these lower numbers, if they, in fact, equate to under-reporting as opposed to less abuse,鈥� said Gibson, encouraging young people to talk to a trusted family member, friend鈥檚 parent, or neighbor.
鈥淐onfiding in that adult may be a child鈥檚 best opportunity to end the abuse,鈥� Gibson said.
