Mountain State residents are fast to leap to the help of any trigger that helps our most weak kids. But even with a rising variety of sources, these youngsters are struggling greater than ever. West Virginia Child Advocacy Network studies youngster abuse complaints are up 20% over the previous 5 years, in line with WOWK.

Risk components embody poverty, isolation and substance use — and regardless of so many working to drag us out of these depths, such points have solely deepened right here in West Virginia. WVCAN studies kids listed here are 5 occasions extra more likely to be drug-endangered than the typical youngster within the United States.

While it might be good to consider the politicians who say they care a lot about our state’s kids are working towards addressing these danger components, the fact is at-risk youngsters should rely upon the remainder of us to assist.

“The majority of people who abuse children know the children and are caregivers or are in positions of trust,” Kate Flack, CEO of WVCAN, instructed WOWK. “Those children who are … being abused oftentimes are being abused by the ones who care for them.”

Though there are instances such because the Calhoun County 8-year-old who jumped out a second story window and ran away barefoot to inform authorities she hadn’t eaten in three days and her dad and mom didn’t need her anymore, for essentially the most half, abused and uncared for kids should not have a manner out. They don’t get assist until somebody studies what they think.

If you may have cause to consider a baby is being abused or uncared for, it’s no time to thoughts your individual enterprise. Report your suspicions instantly. You could make a report back to Child Protective Services by calling 800-352-6513, or contact your nearest youngster advocacy middle for steerage. Find one right here: https://wvcan.org/about/locations/

Don’t hesitate. You could be a baby’s solely hope.