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Politics & Government

Child Abuse: A View from Gwinnett's Department of Family and Children Services

How does Gwinnett County's Department of Family and Children Services work to put children first?

April is National Child Abuse Prevention month. 

Child abuse is a topic we do not like to think about and yet to prevent it – at least stop it from reoccurring – we first have to become more actively aware.  The law requires all of us to report what we believe to be the neglect, abuse or abandonment of children younger than 18 years old.

We may not be absolutely sure of the situation but it is important to realize that it is better to err on the side of caution. 

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Child Protective Services has procedures in place to investigate each report.  In 2012 there were 3, 402 reports of child abuse, which was up 261 from 2011.  Most heartbreaking, 18 percent of the cases were reports of abuse for the most helpless of children, from 0 to three years old.

Many of us can recall the exhaustion, frustration and loneliness that can accompany the work of caring for very young, active children. As a community we can help reduce the built up tension by making mothers aware of mom’s clubs – a great group for making friends, sharing babysitting and creating events for children to make friends and have fun. Churches, neighbors, friends and family can also reach out to provide classes, babysitting and help for parents.

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However empathetic we are about the stresses and challenges of parenting, we must report it when we suspect abuse is taking place. It is urgent that we contact Gwinnett County's Department of Family and Children Services, and Child Protective Services, so professionals can step in to investigate the situation.

Depending on the age of the children and the severity of the suspected abuse, CPS will contact the family within either 24 hours or five days. If the child appears to be in immediate danger your call should be to the police. CPS will have face-to-face meetings with the parents/caregivers, victim children and siblings to assess the safety of children in the home. In some cases CPS will not find a problem and the case will be dismissed; having reported the suspected abuse in good faith you are not liable. 

In some cases, the Family Preservation Unit will take over and work with the family to assist with additional services, counseling, and supervision. Within 45 days of being turned over to Family Preservation, a family team meeting is held with the family, case manager, service providers working with the family and any other people the family identifies as a support center to them. 

A family plan will be created with steps for moving the family to self-sufficiency and assure the safety of the children. In those situations where the child maltreatment is criminal, CPS works with law enforcement and Juvenile Court so that the children are removed from the home and placed with other relatives or in a foster home.

The case managers work with families as ordered by the court to attempt to reunify the family. These services may include individual and family counseling, parenting classes, visitation, and referrals for psychological evaluations, substance abuse treatment and anger management classes.

At the end of 2012, there were 310 children in foster care in Gwinnett County.  The county works hard to find a permanent home for children who cannot be safely returned to their parents.

What you can do: Report suspected child abuse (at 678-518-5630 or after hours or Holidays at 1-855-GA-CHILD), support programs and services in the community that support families and help reduce family tensions.  Learn more about preventing child abuse at Prevent Child Abuse Georgia http://www.preventchildabusega.org.

The Gwinnett Department of Family and Children Services is doing a critical job and can use your help – to volunteer call 770-339-2370.  If you are interested in becoming a foster or adoptive parent, call 1-877-210-KIDS. 

(SOURCE: Gwinnett County DFCS Annual Report 2012. See attached report.)

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