News
Child Abuse Cases Fall 9 Percent
RALEIGH — In 2004, North Carolina reported a 9 percent drop in child abuse cases, along with a 5 percent increase in the number of cases investigated, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services reports. 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.