At the El Paso County Department of Human Services (DHS), we receive more than 12,000 reports of child abuse or neglect each year — more than any other county in the state.

The number is not a necessarily a bad thing.  We want anyone who suspects abuse or neglect to call our hotline to help ensure the safety of children in our community. The safety of children is our primary concern, and we strive to keep children in their own home if that is safely possible.

When a call comes into our hotline, the hotline staff asks a series of questions.  Callers’ identities remain confidential. All reports are reviewed by a supervisor right after the call is completed to determine if an immediate response is warranted. The hotline staff looks up background information on family members, checking for a criminal history or a history of involvement with DHS.

The reports are then reviewed by “red teams.” Red teams are groups of child protection supervisors and staff who review reports thrice daily to determine if a caseworker needs to follow up immediately, in three days, in five business days or if there are referrals to community agencies that can be made to assist the family. 

When a case worker is sent out to assess a report, he will speak with the alleged victim of abuse, the parents of the victim and/or the alleged perpetrator, and anyone else he feels can contribute to the investigation.

Depending on what the caseworker discovers, there are several possible outcomes. A caseworker might:

Removing children from a home is the last resort.  If it is determined that a child needs to be removed from a home for his safety, a caseworker will work with a county attorney to obtain a court order for removal.  An effort is first made to place the child with an appropriate relative or close family friend.  If that doesn’t work, the child is placed in foster care.  The goal is always to return the child to his family as quickly as is safely possible.  

Only about 10 percent of the reports we receive at DHS turn into cases in which we offer ongoing services to the family. An even smaller percentage result in the removal of a child from his home. When DHS does become involved, it is through civil court, not criminal court.

“I truly believe no parent ever means to hurt or neglect their child,” said Karen Logan, a child protection manager at DHS.  “It is often the result of not enough positive parenting education, families without good support systems and additional stresses on the family. Then, in a moment of frustration, a parent does something they can never take back.

“That is why it is critical that when you see something that makes you question the safety of a child, you call DHS so the family can receive help before it is too late.”

The Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline number is (719) 444-5700. Reports can also be sent to childabusereport@elpasoco.com.

Wasson’s Richie Perea leads the Thunderbirds in what should be an interesting season. Photo by THE GAZETTE FILE

Kevin Kreck

Photo illustration Photo by sxc.hu