BAKERSFIELD, CA.-With less than a month until school is out, summer is right around the corner. And local agencies say that means people need to take an even more active role in reporting child abuse as calls tend to drop during the summer.
According to the 2014 Kern County CPS statistical report, there were more than 4,300 child emergency response referrals for investigation from March until May. That number dropped during the summer months, with more than 3,600 referrals from June to August.
CPS says that may be because fewer people are watching children during the summer, which means abuse could go unnoticed or unreported.
When 4-month old Stepfon Jones Jr. was found dead, family members were in shock. Child Protective Services says children under five are most vulnerable to abuse. Yet, that vulnerability increases for school-age children during the summer when teachers and others required to report abuse aren't found.
Summer can also be a particularly stressful time for parents who are around their children more. The Bakersfield Police Department urges any parent who may be reaching a breaking point to reach out and ask for help.
Parents, family members and friends should take action and speak up for those who can't protect themselves.
If you suspect child abuse, call the CPS hotline at 631-6011. All the information is confidential.
According to the 2014 Kern County CPS statistical report, there were more than 4,300 child emergency response referrals for investigation from March until May. That number dropped during the summer months, with more than 3,600 referrals from June to August.
CPS says that may be because fewer people are watching children during the summer, which means abuse could go unnoticed or unreported.
When 4-month old Stepfon Jones Jr. was found dead, family members were in shock. Child Protective Services says children under five are most vulnerable to abuse. Yet, that vulnerability increases for school-age children during the summer when teachers and others required to report abuse aren't found.
Summer can also be a particularly stressful time for parents who are around their children more. The Bakersfield Police Department urges any parent who may be reaching a breaking point to reach out and ask for help.
Parents, family members and friends should take action and speak up for those who can't protect themselves.
If you suspect child abuse, call the CPS hotline at 631-6011. All the information is confidential.
