The month of April marks a time of recognition for a subject many find uncomfortable albeit necessary to bring awareness to; National Child Abuse Prevention Month is a time for communities to rally together to support and provide for children who are in need of positive life experiences, especially those who have been subjected to abuse of any kind.
According to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, in 2020, there were a staggering 272, 248 allegations of abuse or neglect, with 68,461 confirmed cases among children and teenagers. Along with the 16,522 children that were removed from their homes for their protection, there were tragically 251 deaths at the hands of parents/caregivers. For Bowie County, 187 children entered child protective services and 74 were removed from their homes; 20 children are currently awaiting adoption in the county.
The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) (42 U.S.C.A. § 5106g), as amended by the CAPTA Reauthorization Act of 2010, defines child abuse and neglect as, at minimum: “Any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation”; or “An act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm.” A “child” under this definition generally means a person who is younger than age 18 or who is not an emancipated minor.
