BishopAccountability.org
	Penn State Sex-abuse Case Shines Light on Local Children's Issues By Heidi Fenton The Holland Sentinel November 25, 2011 http://www.hollandsentinel.com/news/x844794272/Penn-State-sex-abuse-case-shines-light-on-local-childrens-issues Holland — When Shyra Williams heard emerging reports of a scandal at Penn State University involving children, she felt for those involved but, on a deeper level than most, because of her work with abused children in Ottawa County. The news wasn’t surprising to her, because the scenario — an authority figure and unreported incidents of alleged abuse involving young boys — is one she can understand. So many incidents of abuse go unreported, said Williams, clinical coordinator at the Children’s Advocacy Center in Holland. And of those, she said, there’s an even lower report rate for males because of the shame and guilt involved and the societal obligation to be strong. Often, a child thinks if something happens once, it won’t happen again. The adult seems friendly and is respected around town. Who would believe them if they spoke about it? “This is a situation that could occur anywhere,” Williams said. “It happens at a greater rate than I think people want to realize.” Former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky has been charged with molesting eight boys over a 15-year period. Sandusky retired in 1999. The school's legendary football coach Joe Paterno and University President Graham Spanier recently were fired. Trustees decided Paterno and Spanier could have done more to alert law enforcement after learning of an alleged assault in 2002. Several of the reported incidents allegedly happened on school property. Progress has been made But as many cringe at news reports, other studies shed light on progress the United States has made in reducing child abuse over the past two decades. One of the two most authoritative national reports, from the Department of Health and Human Services, shows incidents of child sexual abuse down more than 55 percent since 1992. Another study documents a 38 percent drop in such incidents between 1993 and 2006, the Associated Press reports. Advocacy Center staff credit heightened public awareness and education for progress made. But they urge parents to exercise caution and consider the consequences of abuse on a young child’s life. Adults need to ask questions to make sure they know those who work with their children, whether in church, school or extracurricular activities, leaders say. Amy Dalman, an abuse prevention coordinator in Holland, visits each third-grade classroom in Ottawa County yearly to educate children about the threat of abuse and to make sure they know the dangers. Children need adults’ help She does what she can, saying she will “go to anybody who will listen.” But children need adults to look out for them, to expect the unexpected, and to do the necessary screening before placing their child in the care of another person, even for just a short time. Schools conduct background checks to screen teachers and administrators. But it’s the volunteers that put in time with churches, sports and other places that often make it through the cracks, Dalman said. “It’s the adult’s responsibility to stop putting the kids in these one-on-one situations,” she said. “We just need to be asking questions. We can’t expect these kids to be fending off adults.” Dalman urges parents to ask their church or child’s after-school activity leader about background checks. What is the policy for one-on-one contact? For children using the restroom? “They should have policies and procedures in place,” she said. Watch for warning signs Parents should be on the look-out for changes in a child’s behavior. Some changes might be more noticeable, such as falling grades or a withdrawal from social activities. Others, are more subtle: changes in groups of friends, taste in music or time spent on the computer. “If the No. 1 thing they loved in life is basketball and they aren’t even going out for the team this year, then what is going on there?” Williams said. “It’s good to start inquiring, talking more to kids.” Among the cases that make it to Child Protective Services, some begin at Holland Hospital. A routine check sometimes evolves into something further if a nurse or doctor sees something they recognize as a point of concern. If there is any worry of abuse, the state mandates it be reported. The hospital also has a policy of its own that stands for all employees and is specific to their contact with those younger than 18. “Whoever suspects the abuse or neglect is expected to make that call (to CPS),” said Sherry Oegema, director of behavioral health services. “You have to be paying attention to the risk factors and signs and symptoms.” Oegema said the suspicion is all that’s needed — not concrete proof of anything amiss. Severe cases prompting immediate response from state officials may sweep the child immediately into protective custody. But that’s a decision made after conversations between the state worker, hospital staff and the attending physician.
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.