Child Abuse in Minnesota

Summary of the Article

In the newspaper StarTribune, an article by Chris Serres shows that child maltreatment is rising steadily in Minnesota. It is reported that this rapid increase in child abuse has completely strained the effectiveness of the Minnesota child protection system that was given the mandate to prevent such incidences. This has led to serious concerns as child maltreatment is not only practiced in county levels but also at tribal governments. Child abuse in Minnesota has been attributed to several factors. Negligence by parents and guardians as well as epidemic prescription of drug abuse has overwhelmingly contributed to child abuse. The high turnover rate of staff in child protection firms as they feel emotionally drained is another factor. Child protection firms do not have the high number of staff to handle the rising caseloads of children being abused. There are several measures that both the county and state officials have put in place to prevent child maltreatment. Administrators at the county level have taken up the responsibility to address the issue other than to wait for the state to intervene. They have resorted into the hiring of child protection staff, development of mental health for children, and the establishment of childcare assistance programs. 

Reflection on the Article

The article is informative as it has brought into light the predicaments that the children undergo. It has enlightened us to understand why the system of child protection is in crisis. It has clearly underlined the various groups and the roles each has to play to prevent child abuse. There is the need, therefore, for reforms in protection system aimed at eliminating the various incidences of child maltreatment. It is necessary that all our efforts are aimed at improving the stability of children in the state by emphasizing on the prevention of child maltreatment.  

Reference

Serres, C. (2017, April 12). Child abuse reports soar across Minnesota, straining child protection system. StarTrinune. Retrieved from vhttp://m.startribune.com/child-abuse-reports-soar-across-minnesota-straining-child-protection-system/419315314/.