Thank you for all you do to prevent child abuse.
From the headlines it looks as if we need to continue to do as much as possible to keep children safe. However, the SRS numbers show a decrease in the number of children who are being abused. In FY 2006 Wichita SRS was assigned 8,684 reports of abuse, 3,217 cases revealed no child abuse and 477 cases were substantiated. In FY 2007 SRS was assigned 5,253 reports; 3,999 investigations revealed no child abuse and 308 cases were substantiated. The remaining reports revealed that children were not abused or neglected but were having problems with issues such as truancy, overwhelmed family and running away. SRS helped these families directly or referred them to services.
In October 2007, an important change was made in the investigation of some child abuse cases. SRS placed 4 experienced social workers at the Home. They are here from 8AM to 7PM during the week. This allows SRS to become involved the minute that the child(ren) are admitted. As a result, the length of time that a child is in protective custody is often shortened and the social workers have more time to work with the parents or find relatives to care for the children.
What else can we all do? SRS Child and Family Administrator Karen Wahlmeier, would like you to know that Wichita has a wealth of support systems through area non-profits to help parents raising children. She suggests that you call the United Way 211 info line 24/7 to find out about all these resources.
Every year Nola Foulston, our District Attorney, organizes a Community Awareness Event. This event provides the public with an opportunity to visit the displays of many of the organizations
who help victims. It will be at Towne East on Saturday April 19.
In addition please consider helping in these ways:
Pay attention to the children in your neighborhood. If you know of a parent(s) that are struggling, offer to give them a break and care for their child(ren) or consider being their mentor.
Spread the word that the one you love or live with might not be the best care taker for your child .
…… And that drinking and using drugs when you are trying to get pregnant or after you become pregnant will damage your baby’s brain resulting in behavioral problems.
Collect baby items at work or your place of worship and share them
Become involved with a program or agency that works with parents and children.
If you do have a concern about child or adult safety, report it to the local Wichita SRS office at 316-337-6601 or to the 24-hour Kansas Protection Report Center at 800-922-5330.
Thank you for cherishing the children.
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