Child abuse reports drop by half in NYC but abuse likely continuing

Reports of child abuse in New York City have declined by 54% since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the city Administration for Children’s Services, though agency officials say such abuse is likely continuing despite the data, the Daily News reports. 

The decline is mostly a result of school closures, as teachers are most likely to report suspected cases. Stuck in a digital divide, teachers are having a harder time seeing how a child is being treated. Other mandatory reporters at schools and health care institutions are also generally seeing fewer children because of the pandemic.  

Some child welfare experts have feared that child abuse – similar to domestic violence –  could be exacerbated during the health crisis, as food insecurity, job loss and shelter-in-place orders drive stress and tension. 

The Administration for Children’s Services is still encouraging school employees, as well as police, hospital workers and staff at the city Department for the Homeless to keep an eye out for possible child abuse cases. The agency’s investigators are still conducting home visits, albeit with more restrictions to abide by recommendations that people maintain distance from one another for the duration of the pandemic. 

Recent investigations of child abuse and neglect haven’t been without controversy. Some parents reported getting visits from child welfare officials for not getting kids signed up for online classes – despite waiting on deliveries of electronic devices from the education department.