CLARK COUNTY (KTNV) — With schools across the Las Vegas valley still closed and no teachers directly in front of kids, child advocates are noticing a sharp decrease in the number of reports for child abuse and neglect.
In April of last year, Clark County had 1,160 investigations for child abuse and neglect. This year, there were only 660 investigations, a 43% decrease.
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13 Action News talked with the Honorable Frank P. Sullivan who says those numbers are a direct response of fewer reports that lead to investigations.
He says up to 60% of their reports of possible child abuse and neglect come from teachers.
"You're always concerned about that because you're only as good as you're reporting," says Sullivan.
"If you don't know about it," he added, "there's not much you can do."
The Department of Family Services has been working on a plan to try to keep kids safe while learning from home this school year.
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They've been working on a campaign that includes passing out flyers with information for relatives and neighbors to help them recognize and then report any abuse.
To learn more about the signs of child abuse and neglect, click here.
To report child abuse in Clark County call (702) 399-0081. The Clark County Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
As always, for urgent or emergency situations call 9-1-1.
You can submit a report online here. A report submitted online may take up to 24 hours to process.
