CASA of the Flint Hills Director Dena Russell anticipates a potential rise in child abuse cases locally once the coronavirus pandemic begins to ease.
Russell recently spoke with KVOE News and says anytime stressors are added into a family’s dynamic, there is a large potential for a rise in child abuse cases. Russell says the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which she describes as a form of trauma, brings additional stress to families and residents on its own.
She adds the numerous effects the pandemic has had recently on the country only compounds that stress which could lead to abuse occurring in the home.
Russell says a rise in child abuse cases is possible once the pandemic begins to ease as they will be able to have “more eyes on the children” once they return to their normal routines.
Russell says CASA is accepting applications for new volunteers at this time and current plans are to begin a 10-session virtual training program in June for new volunteers. If you would like to become a CASA volunteer contact Russel by emailing DRussell@soskansas.com or call 343-2744.
Russell says at this time CASA volunteers are unable to have in-person interactions with children and families, however, their services are continuing to be offered through virtual means. Additionally, Russell tells KVOE News procedures for reporting suspected child abuse have not changed and she encourages residents who suspect a child may be suffering from abuse to contact local law enforcement or the Department for Children and Families at 1-800-922-5330.
