Neglect most common form of child maltreatment in state

More than 3,400 cases of child abuse or neglect were substantiated in Nevada in 2013, according to Amanda Haboush-Deloye, director of programs at Prevent Child Abuse Nevada.

Of those cases, more than 2,600 occurred in Clark County, with 70 percent classified as neglect.

“Keep in mind we do have about 70 percent of the state’s population living in Clark County, so it’s not saying we’re worse than other counties,” Haboush-Deloye said. “Oftentimes, abuse or neglect occurs because the family is under certain stressors. If the community provided more support, those stressors could be alleviated, and these cases could be avoided.”

The state defines child abuse or neglect as: “… physical and mental injury of a non-accidental nature; sexual abuse or sexual exploitation; or negligent treatment or maltreatment … of a child caused or allowed by a person responsible for the welfare of the child.”

Mental or emotional injury might include blaming, belittling, rejecting or calling a child names. Neglect can mean leaving a child at home alone, not forcing him to attend school or not providing enough food.

“Abuse doesn’t always come from the parents,” Haboush-Deloye said. “It can come from another family member, babysitter, child care provider or anyone who is in close contact, so we look at all immediate relationships in the child’s life.”

Signs of abuse can range from unexplained injuries to being overly compliant or demanding, from demonstrating bizarre sexual knowledge to lacking needed medical or dental care.

“Abuse can lead to permanent physical damage and (post-traumatic stress disorder). It can also cause children to have a hard time making connections and trusting other people,” Haboush-Deloye said. “However, everyone has different coping mechanisms, and not everyone is going to act the same.”

The Clark County Department of Family Services collects and responds to reports from members of the community at large and those mandated by law to report suspected abuse, such as police officers, teachers and doctors, according to spokeswoman Kristi Jourdan.

“The information collected during a report is an important initial assessment of the family,” Jourdan said. “We gather as much information as we can from the caller to determine if it requires a response.”

If the report warrants an investigation, the case is turned over to a Child Protective Services unit that conducts a safety assessment and interviews the individual in the home.

“From there, it can go several different ways,” Jourdan said. “The investigator can determine it’s an unsafe situation, but the child can remain in the home because there’s a parent or caregiver that can ensure their safety. Worst case scenario, the child is removed from the home, but we do that as a last resort because it’s very traumatic for the child.”

Although law enforcement does not get involved in every case, Child Protective Services can request officers to be present or assist during investigations, according to Metropolitan Police Department officer Larry Hadfield.

“Child Protective Services might ask us to further investigate a case if they feel a crime was committed,” Hadfield said. “CPS takes in all cases, and if the case doesn’t meet their law enforcement call, then we don’t get involved.”

Those who suspect child abuse can report it to Child Protection Services at tinyurl.com/clarkcountycps or 702-399-0081.

“The community is our eyes and ears in terms of protecting children and reporting abuse or neglect,” Jourdan said. “The information you have by reporting any abuse has the ability to save a life.”

For more information, visit tinyurl.com/ccdfamilyservices or preventchildabusenevada.org.

Contact Henderson View reporter Caitlyn Belcher at cbelcher@viewnews.com or 702-383-0403.