Valley officials put out a call to watch for signs of child abuse

The Clark County Department of Family Services and other valley agencies and community partners are working to educate residents on how they can prevent child abuse.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to remind community members that they are the eyes and ears of the department, said Paula Hammack, Department of Family Services assistant director .

“Sometimes neighbors hear or see things,” she said. “That info is important for us to know how to respond or whether or not to respond. We are not a policing agency, actively seeking out these situations.”

As part of the department’s ongoing outreach mission, Hammack said helping the community recognize the signs of abuse and neglect is the first step.

Hammack said the signs include any physical abuse resulting in permanent or temporary disfigurement, such as abnormal bruising; sexual abuse; or neglect, meaning the parents demonstrate an inability to provide for the child’s basic needs, such as clothing, food or shelter.

“Neglect is often overlooked,” Child Protective Services manager Kechia English said, noting that if a child is neglected if left unsupervised in a position where judg ments are required that are beyond his comprehension .

Situations of neglect often depend on the child’s age, she said. A 14-year-old may be able to take care of himself for a reasonable amount of time, but if there are three younger siblings, it is reasonable to assume that situation is beyond the abilities of a child that age.

The department takes other factors into consideration, such as the cleanliness of the home or whether the parents have made provisions for the child when they are away, informing a neighbor or providing the child with contact information.

“We can’t dictate our own values on how someone tends to their house,” Hammack said. “But at a certain point, the situation becomes unlivable for a child, and most people know where that line is.”

Hammack and English said that people can call the department’s child abuse hot line at 702-399-0081.

Caller s can remain anonymous and will be asked for as much identifying information about the family as possible:

— The name, address, age and sex of the child.

— The name and address of the child’s parents or those responsible for the child’s care.

— The nature and extent of the abuse or neglect.

— Any evidence of previously known or suspected abuse or neglect of the child or siblings.

— The name, address and relationship, if known, of the person who is alleged to have abused or neglected the child.

“Child protection is more than just one agency,” English said.

Hammack agreed.

“We are just one piece of the pie,” she said. “The community needs to know they are a larger piece of that pie.”

English said there is a common misconception that her department is there to tear families apart when it is just the opposite, another reason for outreach programs.

“We can showcase some of the positives that come out of intervention,” she said. “Families become more productive citizens and more productive parents.”

Through cooperation among the department, families and community partners such as members of the church, grandparents, god parents or teachers, Family Services can find the least intrusive solutions to the problems and reunite the children with their families, English said.

The department reunited 905 families last year .

“Families go through struggles,” Hammack said. “That doesn’t mean they aren’t worthy of being families.”

For more information on the Clark County Department of Family Services, visit clarkcountynv.gov or call 702-455-5444.

Contact Paradise/Downtown View reporter Nolan Lister at nlister@viewnews.com or 702-383-0492.