Advisor’s Note: This article was written by an AP Seminar student as part of a “Make a Difference” project. For the AP Seminar Performance Tasks that are scored by the College Board, students spend their year researching and writing about real-world, complex issues. After the AP test, students choose one of the topics they studied and do something to raise awareness about the issue and shed light on it to make even a small difference. Students have a variety of options, including developing websites, creating posters, starting social media campaigns, writing letters, and – this year – writing articles for Cardinal Nation. Student Kylie Sheehan chose to share her issue in Cardinal Nation. Here is Sonja’s submission.
In recent years, the United States has witnessed an alarming rise in child neglect cases, a trend that underscores a growing crisis within many communities. According to a report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), there were approximately 618,000 reported cases of child neglect in 2022, representing a significant increase from previous years. This troubling statistic is mirrored in communities nationwide, including Mentor, Ohio.
Child neglect, defined as the failure of a caregiver to meet a child’s basic needs, such as food, shelter, medical care, and supervision, is the most common form of child maltreatment. The National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS) reveals that neglect accounts for nearly 75% of all reported child maltreatment cases. This widespread issue has severe and lasting effects on children’s physical, emotional, and cognitive development.
In Mentor, a city of about 47,000 residents located on the shores of Lake Erie, the problem of child neglect is becoming increasingly visible. Local authorities and social service agencies have noted a worrying uptick in cases. Lake County Job and Family Services, which handles child welfare cases in Mentor, reported a 15% increase in child neglect cases over the past year.
Several factors contribute to the rising rates of neglect nationally and locally. Economic hardships, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, have left many families struggling to provide for their children. Job losses, housing instability, and reduced access to healthcare and social services have created an environment where neglect can flourish. Additionally, substance abuse, particularly opioid addiction, has been a significant factor in many neglect cases.
In Mentor, the community has seen the impact of these issues firsthand. Schools have reported higher numbers of children arriving without adequate clothing or supplies, and healthcare providers have observed an increase in cases of malnutrition and untreated medical conditions among children. Local police have responded to more calls involving children left unsupervised or living in unsafe conditions.
The severity of child neglect cannot be overstated. Neglected children are at higher risk for a range of adverse outcomes, including developmental delays, mental health issues, and difficulties in school. Long-term consequences can include chronic health problems, lower educational attainment, and an increased likelihood of substance abuse and involvement in the criminal justice system.
Addressing this issue requires a concerted effort from the entire community. In Mentor, local organizations are stepping up to provide support and resources to needy families. For example, the Lake County branch of the Family and Children First Council offers programs to strengthen family bonds and provide parents with the tools they need to care for their children effectively. Mentor Public Schools have implemented initiatives to identify and support students who may be experiencing neglect.
However, more needs to be done. Increased funding for social services, improved access to mental health and substance abuse treatment, and community-based support networks are critical components in the fight against child neglect. Public awareness campaigns can also play a vital role in educating the community about the signs of neglect and the importance of early intervention.
As Mentor, Ohio, and the rest of the country grapple with the rising rates of child neglect, it is essential to remember that behind each statistic is a child in need of care and protection. By working together, communities can help ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment.
References
(n.d.). HHS.gov: Department of Health & Human Services. Retrieved May 24, 2024, from https://www.hhs.gov/
(n.d.). Ohio Family & Children First. Retrieved May 24, 2024, from https://fcf.ohio.gov/
About Child Abuse and Neglect | Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention. (2024, February 14). CDC. Retrieved May 23, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/child-abuse-neglect/about/
Home – Job and Family Services. (n.d.). Lake County, Ohio. Retrieved May 24, 2024, from https://www.lakecountyohio.gov/jobs-family-services/
Just Released: Child Maltreatment 2022 Report—February 2024 | Vol. 25, No. 1. (n.d.). Children’s Bureau Express. Retrieved May 23, 2024, from https://cbexpress.acf.hhs.gov/article/2024/february/just-released-child-maltreatment-2022-report/5369c4041bf3f190145dedf7624bcb10
