The number of child abuse or neglect reports in Brown County is down by 50 percent this month.
Kevin Brennan of the county’s health and human services department thinks it’s because kids aren’t around teachers and counselors. Under state law, they’re required to report suspicions of abuse.
Brennan believes the numbers will surge when kids get back to school. He says general family stress, alcohol and drug abuse, and domestic violence are things that can contribute to child abuse or neglect.
Brennan says most of society is stressed out, and that’s going to have an impact on children, but people just aren’t seeing it right now.
He says despite the pandemic, case workers are still meeting with children and families face-to-face.
He thinks people need to stay connected with others, and report any potential problems.
