Task force targets child abuse

By WAYNE QUESENBERRY/Staff

An increase in the number of cases of child abuse in Wythe County has prompted a local longtime task force to renew its prevention efforts. The seriousness of the incidents spurred the Wythe County Child Abuse Task Force to reconvene and reorganize a few months ago.
The task force was established in the late 1970s. Its members represent the Wythe County Department of Social Services, the Wytheville Police Department, the Wythe County Sheriff’s Office, the Virginia State Police, the Wythe County Commonwealth Attorney’s office, the Wythe County Victim Witness Program, medical professionals, the Family Resource Center and Wythe County Public Schools.
“This really is a joint effort among these agencies,” stated member Teresa Holston, a child protective service worker for the Wythe County Department of Social Services. “Together we can combine our areas of expertise and resources to accomplish things that would take longer if an individual agency did it.”
By working together in a task force, the agencies strive to improve the county’s response to child abuse, increase the efficient use of limited agency resources and lessen the chance of further victimizing children and their families by the system designed to protect them. They also hope to develop fully trained more knowledgeable and capable professionals.
The task force typically handles cases of child sexual abuse, severe child physical abuse, criminal child endangerment and child fatality with suspicion of abuse or neglect.
“In particular, we’re seeing a lot more sexual abuse of children,” noted Capt. Rick Arnold of the Wytheville Police Department and task force member. “Children are being exposed to things they shouldn’t be by caregivers. It’s becoming a big problem. We are advocates of the children. We act on their behalf.”
Holston added, “The safety of children is first and foremost with the task force.”
Alcohol, drugs, lack of parenting skills and sexual predators are listed by task force members as causes of child abuse.
“Someone under the influence of drugs or alcohol is not able to provide the care a child needs,” Holston stated, “and we’re seeing more and more parents at a younger age – babies raising babies. They lack the skills to be parents.”
Capt. Arnold also pointed out that pedophiles often target a female parent with female children.
“We’re also seeing more biological parents abusing their children,” he commented.
Task force member and nurse practitioner Cathie Spears added, “We don’t see too many two-parent families anymore. A lot of grandparents are raising their grandchildren.”
According to her, the majority of child abuse cases occur in the pre-school to 11 age group.
While the task force has no funds of its own, the group is looking into potential grants. On the task force’s wish list is a standardized interview kit that helps determine through play therapy if a child has been abused.
“And we’re looking for a way to keep the task force updated,” remarked Holston. “We e-mail and call each other but sometimes members don’t always get the message.”
The task force meets the second Friday of each month. Members often must be contacted about cases more regularly.
“Anyone can report even a suspicion of child abuse,” Arnold said. “We’d rather have 10 unfounded cases than miss one abuse case.”
Wayne Quesenberry can be reached at 228-6611 or .