In 2004, the state of North Carolina reported a 9 percent decline in child abuse cases. This came with a 5 percent increase in the number of cases investigated, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services reports.
“ We gave social workers new tools to help them make better decisions, and they’re working,” said Jo Ann Lamm, director of Family Support and Child Welfare Services. “Across the state, all county departments of social services follow the same process when deciding whether to investigate an allegation of abuse. When they do investigate, they all have the same decision-making process to determine the risk to the child. I feel confident that these tools are helping children remain at home when that’s the best, safest place for them to be.”
In state fiscal 2003-04, 113,557 children were assessed for child abuse and neglect, an increase of 6,400 from 2002-03. Of those cases, 27,310 children were found to be abused or neglected compared to 30,016 the year before.
The statistics include a new measure: “Children in need of services.” They are being identified through the new multiple response system, which gives social workers a less-adversarial way to interact with families. A finding of in “need of service” means that, while there are safety issues, social workers can immediately start engaging the families in identifying their strengths that can be enhanced to ensure the safety of the child. This approach focuses on a partnership with parents to ensure the safety of their children. MRS was expanded from 10 to 52 counties during fiscal 2003-04.