Learning about child abuse in the United States is not as simple as it seems. Stopping child abuse isn’t easy, rather it’s complicated and confusing. The data we have doesn’t always give us a clear picture. There are disagreements about what child abuse is, why it happens, and how often it occurs. Social service agencies only confirm about 1 in 10 cases of child abuse, which makes finding solutions harder. People might not report child abuse because they’re not sure what counts as abuse, they’re afraid of reporting something that isn’t true, or they don’t trust the system to help.

Balancing the traditional idea that families should stay together with the harsh truth that even systems meant to safeguard children, such as foster care, can be flawed, creates a fear of reporting false information, which greatly influences decision-making. Interactions with Child Protective Services and/or law enforcement are highly stressful for everyone involved, even when approached with good intentions, particularly if abuse or neglect isn’t confirmed.

In 2018, the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) was enacted by Congress to significantly reform child protection to prioritize family unity. As a result, states now have varied criteria for utilizing the $8 billion allocated by the federal government to prevent child abuse. These alterations involve funding initiatives such as parenting education, mental health support, and substance abuse treatment, alongside heightened regulations regarding the placement of young individuals in group facilities.

While this legislation won’t resolve all issues, there are concerns that it might exacerbate strains on already burdened state systems. However, it also presents child welfare experts with a chance to reevaluate their strategies to reduce the removal of children from their homes and communities. Assessing the bill’s effects is premature at this stage. Notably absent from the bill are provisions for job training, transportation aid, clinical support, and home visits. Advocates for children and youth are urging these gaps to be addressed in the American Jobs Act or other budget and legislative proposals put forth by the Biden Administration.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have outlined five suggestions, which are:

• Increase economic assistance for families.
• Shift societal norms to endorse parental support and positive parenting.
• Offer high-quality early care and education.
• Improve parenting abilities to foster healthy child growth.
• Intervene to mitigate harm and avert future risks.

We can effectively protect children and youth from abuse and neglect by emphasizing education, involving and supporting parents, and focusing on prevention and early intervention. Those who have gone through this harrowing experience and those of you who haven’t must read Nancy Pusateri’s book, “Rising Up: A True Story of Childhood Abuse.” This book reflects the journey of a girl who experienced sexual abuse by her father and survived. It brings hope to those who go through similar circumstances and is an eye-opener to the situation of child abuse for those who are unaware of this rising dilemma in the US. Available on Amazon.