Abbie Newman joins Fox29’s “Good Day Philadelphia” to discuss the COVID-19 Pandemic and the impact on child abuse reports
“It’s really startling,” says Abbie Newman, CEO of Mission Kids Child Advocacy Center.
The number of suspected Child Abuse reports to made to Pennsylvania’s Child Abuse Hotline, ChildLine, has decreased by 50% as a result of school closures and stay-at-home orders the past couple weeks here in Montgomery County and across the state of Pennsylvania.
Local law enforcement, child welfare, and child advocacy center leaders say this is cause for concern because children may not be safe at home, and they’re not in contact with mandated reporters such as teachers, counselors, doctors, neighbors, and other safe adults.
This morning, Abbie joined Karen Hepp and Thomas Drayton on Fox 29’s “Good Day Philadelphia” to discuss the serious toll the COVID-19 Pandemic is having on Child Abuse reports and what we can all do to help one another out.
Suspect abuse? Report it!
Mandated reporters and other concerned adults should call PA ChildLine: 1-800-932-0313 or submit reports electronically.
For more information, visit: http://keepkidssafe.pa.gov/
Kids & Teens are encouraged to report abuse or other concerns during the COVID-19 Pandemic using Safe 2 Say Something
Mission Kids, in partnership with Attorney General Josh Shapiro, and local and state child welfare leaders, encourage children and teenagers to use the Safe2Say Something App + Hotline if they’re feeling unsafe at home or are worried about a friend during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Students can call the Hotline: 1-844-723-2729 or use the mobile app to report child abuse or any other safety concerns.
For more information, visit: https://www.safe2saypa.org/
If you, or someone you know, is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
