Why So Few Reports Of Child Abuse In LA?

By Robert Garrova

Published Apr 16, 2020 11:14 AM

There's been a 40-60% decrease in the number of reports of suspected child abuse in L.A. County since the middle of March. At first glance that seems like good news. But it probably isn't.

It worries people like Bobby Cagle, director of the county's Department of Children and Family Services. Cagle told us:

"I've been doing this for in excess of 31 years and this is the first time we have seen a phenomenon like this where reports drop so significantly."

Since COVID-19 prompted the stay-at-home order, the people who typically report suspected abuse, like teachers, can't flag what they don't see since kids are out of school.

"These children are out of sight and that's really frightening,"said Wende Julien, CEO of CASA of LA.

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Big Drop In Child Abuse Reports In LA — And That Has Advocates Worried

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Why So Few Reports Of Child Abuse In LA?