O. C. Child Abuse Cases on the Rise

The number of child abuse allegations in Orange County rose 7.3% in 2000, the first increase in three years.

Local experts say the increase could be related to the slowing economy.

Kathy McCarrell, executive director of the Orange County Child Abuse Prevention Center, said that traditionally, downturns in the economy mean more child abuse allegations. When the economy slows, pressures on parents mount. People who cannot handle the pressure take it out on children or spouses.

“The numbers go up when the economy turns down,” she said. “The fear is that this year will be much worse.”

In 1994, child abuse allegations in Orange County totaled 45,129 and have slowly dropped to nearly half. In 2000, there were 27,700, but that was up from 25,804 in 1999.

Just what last year’s increase means is not clear yet, said Roni Morse, senior research analyst for the county’s Social Services Agency.

“Potentially, if the economy goes bad, we could see [a large increase], but we aren’t seeing it yet,” Morse said.

The latest tabulations were presented this month to commemorate Child Abuse Prevention Month, when many social workers talk to community groups about the signs of abuse.

County officials hope to stave off increases in child abuse with a growing number of prevention programs.

Michael Riley, director of Children and Family Services at the Social Services Agency, said the county’s contracts with child abuse prevention programs jumped from $8 million to $13 million annually in the last 18 months. These programs offer counseling to parents who may have been accused of abuse or those who think they need help to better parent their children.

Soon, he said, the county will have 18 family resource centers designed to prevent abuse by having social workers on site, homework assistance, parent education classes and other information. In the last two years, 12 such centers have opened.

Todd Boatright, 31, of Brea said he got help for his family when his girlfriend found a flier that “asked something like ‘Do you have a short fuse with your kids?’ ”

“It seems right up my alley,” said Boatright, who is struggling to raise a 6-year-old who has problems in school. Until he worked with a volunteer from the Child Abuse Prevention Center, Boatright said he did know how to discipline his son and often lost his temper.

The center “helped me to get the patience. I can’t spank him, but he needs discipline, so what do I do?” Boatright said. “I’d yell at him or say something I shouldn’t have said. I’m discovering there are other options.”