By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Child abuse investigations increased in Wood County by nearly 25 percent in 2016 – a jump never seen before by the staff at Children’s Services.
The number of cases went from 718 in 2015 up to 894 in 2016 – meaning 176 more child abuse investigations. Cases of abuse were reported in every community in the county.
The increase is being attributed to more people reporting child abuse or neglect cases when they see them, and to the rising opiate epidemic.
The numbers were presented Thursday to the Wood County Commissioners. The number of physical abuse cases investigated in 2016 was 224, the number of sexual abuse cases was 142, the number of neglect cases was 439, and the number of emotional abuse cases was 19. Drugs were involved in 212 of the cases.
“The drug cases are much more difficult,” and take longer to resolve, according to Sandi Carsey, director of Wood County Children’s Services.
“It’s normal for people to relapse,” added Brandy Laux, assessment supervisor at Wood County Children’s Services.
When investigators arrive at homes with drug problems, “there are bigger issues,” of finances, eviction, utilities and loss of employment.
Nearly every month last year saw more child abuse reports than the year before. “Every month last year, except for December, we increased,” Carsey said. And this January is seeing the same uptick.
“I would hope we wouldn’t have as big of a spike, but we never know,” Carsey said.
In expectation of the increases, the county commissioners approved an additional staff person in Children’s Services last year.
“That helps with the load for the workers,” Laux asid.
Children’s Services will once again be trying to raise awareness by placing a field of pinwheels out in April, with one pinwheel for each case investigated last year. This year, however, separate pinwheels will be placed in communities throughout the county where child abuse or neglect have been investigated, Carsey said. Those pinwheels are intended to make people aware of abuse occurring throughout the county.
Following is a list of the number of cases investigated in each community in the county in 2016:
- Bowling Green – 210
- Perrysburg – 186
- Northwood – 80
- North Baltimore – 73
- Weston – 50
- Rossford – 47
- Walbridge – 26
- Fostoria – 26
- Bradner – 24
- Grand Rapids – 22
- Millbury – 21
- Pemberville – 17
- Rudolph – 15
- Custar – 12
- Wayne – 12
- Cygnet – 11
- Bloomdale – 10
- Risingsun – 9
- Luckey – 9
- Toledo (LCCS) – 8
- Jerry City – 8
- Portage – 7
- Hoytville – 5
- Haskins – 3
- Milton Center – 3
