May another record-setting month for Children Services

June 7, 2010

It was another record-setting month of work for Richland County Children Services in May -- and continued a trend that could lead to a second-straight record-setting year.

The child protective services agency received 615 calls and launched 267 new investigations into alleged child abuse and neglect during the month, tying the monthly record for intakes set in October 2009.

Through the first five months of 2010, Children Services is on pace to top last year's record of 2,748 investigations. RCCS has started 1,147 new investigations in 2010, averaging 229.4 per month and on pace for 2,752 for the year.

In just the last three months, the agency has launched 768 new investigations, averaging 256 per month.

"It's not the kind of records we want to be setting," said Carl Hunnell, the agency's communications supervisor. "Every investigation we begin means there are children in our county who may have been abused or neglected. We are proud of the efforts our social workers and their supervisors are making in response to this tremendous need.

"But we would not mind a month of lower intakes, which would be an indication fewer local children are at-risk," he said.

Investigations during May included allegations of neglect (124), physical abuse (53), emotional maltreatment (28), sexual abuse (18) and dependency (17). There were also 27 cases involving families in need of services.

For the second straight month, Children Services averaged 20 calls from the public per day and started nine new investigations daily. One-third of the calls came during evening hours or on weekends.

"We appreciate the public's understanding that our agency is here 24/7 to protect local children and help families," Hunnell said. "People calling our hotline at 419-774-4100 can rest assured they will speak to a live human any time of the day or night and that we will respond quickly and appropriately."

 

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