ELLICOTT CITY, Md. — There's new concern that the pandemic is masking child abuse cases in the Baltimore area.
“There has been an average of 60% decrease in reports to the Department of Social Services of Child Abuse. That's 60%.”
Howard County Executive Dr. Calvin Ball said the drop may be due to people not reporting cases.
He said main reporters of child abuse are teachers.
While there isn’t much in-person learning, the reports and those looking for signs of abuse don't exist.
Ball said you can help, just by lending parents who may be having a tough time, a helping hand.
“Help a busy friend with a grocery list or drop off a meal if you can. Do what you can to brighten someone else's day or to limit stressors in their life.”
Lowering those stressors could save a child's life.
In Howard County, you can call child protective services during business hours.
Any other time, you should call the police non-emergency hotline.
