All Hoosiers Need To Be Vigilant In Efforts To End Child AbuseÂ
by Gail Riecken District 77 State Representative
In a recent meeting of the Department of Child Services Oversight Committee, we heard allegations Indiana schools are failing to report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect.
I am pleased to share with you a memorandum the Department of Education sent recently reminding school officials of their obligations in this area [find attached to this email or view the memo online.
Recent incidents across Indiana have once again brought to the forefront issues related to child abuse and I wanted to share another item with you that highlights another aspect of this tragic element of criminal activity.
An article that ran in the Richmond Palladium-Item on May 9, 2016 [linked here], noted that child abuse impacts the victim’s future as a member of society, often leading to lifelong costs.
Studies have shown that victims of child abuse are significantly more likely to abuse drugs or become pregnant before they are adults.
“Child abuse is one of the leading causes of physical or mental health issues for adults,” according to the article.
Efforts to combat child abuse are thus part of a much bigger policy to improve the quality of life for Hoosiers of all ages. All Hoosiers need to be vigilant in efforts to end child abuse wherever it occurs.
