Child abuse often isn’t easily detectable.
Which doesn’t make it any less damaging.
In recognition of April as Child Abuse Awareness Month in Allen County, representatives from Hope Unlimited and Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) visited with the Register about the many forms of child abuse and how the public can identify warning signs and take action to protect vulnerable children.
Both organizations provide essential services to children who have experienced abuse. Hope Unlimited’s Child Advocacy Center works with children by conducting forensic interviews with young victims, ensuring that the evidence gathered is used appropriately in legal proceedings. Donita Garner, the center’s Child Advocacy Center Coordinator, notes that “the key is creating a safe space for children to share their experiences, helping them find the support they need.”
CASA, an organization that has been serving victims of child abuse since its founding in 2003, plays a vital role in the court system. The group works with children who have been removed from their biological homes due to abuse or neglect, ensuring their ongoing safety and well-being. CASA advocates meet with children monthly, gathering updates and working closely with teachers, counselors, parents, and biological relatives to monitor their progress.
CHILD ABUSE comes in many forms, some more easily recognizable than others. While physical abuse is one of the most commonly discussed forms, neglect is the most reported form of child abuse in Kansas. Neglect can manifest in a variety of ways.
“Neglect can be nutritional — not being fed enough or not being fed good food,” explained Aimee Daniels, CASA director. “Or emotional neglect — not paying attention to your child, or the attention is always hostile. Educational neglect — where parents keep their children from school. Neglect can also be leaving children alone, sometimes for days on end.”
Daniels also highlighted other forms of neglect such as medical neglect, where children do not receive necessary medical care, and even neglect linked to religion, where certain religious practices place a child at significant risk. Neglect generally refers to instances where a child’s basic needs are ignored.
CASA volunteers are trained to identify these signs. They ensure children are receiving appropriate medical care, attending school regularly, and are in stable, supportive environments. They also monitor for signs of trauma, which may indicate physical or sexual abuse.
THE ADVOCATES play a crucial role in identifying neglect and abuse. They meet with children regularly, speaking with them about their experiences, and ensuring that they have access to the resources they need. Volunteers also communicate with teachers, counselors, and other professionals to assess the child’s living conditions and emotional state.
Marie Parker, a CASA advocate, points out that in smaller communities, neglect may go unnoticed because people may not recognize it as abuse. “They may think this is just the way they grew up,” she said. “It’s not necessarily because of a lack of funding — it’s maybe kids just sitting in a room all day long, not being fed, cared for, or loved. Kids trying to fend for themselves.”
CASA’s work also involves helping families connect with resources to improve their living situations. Daniels shares a troubling example of one family where the parents used a trash can inside the house to burn wood. “That was their only source of heat,” she said.
CASA works to get families the assistance they need and the families are given an ample amount of time to rectify the situation. But, as Daniels notes, “Sometimes they just can’t get on the right path, and in those cases, the children may have to be removed from the home for their safety.”
While some forms of neglect can be associated with socio-economic status, poverty itself is not a form of child abuse. It is, however, a significant risk factor for child neglect. “I think that people sometimes pigeon-hole those who are in poverty, not realizing that abuse can happen across the spectrum,” said Garner. “You can be very wealthy and still be abused as a child.”
RECOGNIZING the signs of abuse can be challenging. While bruises and cuts are often the first indicators of physical abuse, behavior changes are also significant red flags.
“There might not be a mark on them, but their behavior is totally off,” said Parker. “I think that’s a big sign.”
