Oklahoma non-profit addresses child abuse crisis, hosts events for prevention awareness

TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — A local nonprofit is hosting two events tomorrow in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month.

The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (ODHS) says that last year 14,000 children were confirmed victims of child abuse or neglect.

The Child Advocacy Network worked with more than 1,600 of those victims and their families last year.

"Here at the Child Advocacy Network, we see approximately 1,800 kids a year," said Kelsey Hess, the Manager of Forensic Services at the Child Advocacy Network.

In 2023, the Child Advocacy Network, a nonprofit organization that provides intervention services for child abuse victims served 1,629 clients.

According to ODHS, 14,000 children in Oklahoma were confirmed victims of child abuse or neglect in 2023.

According to its report, 84,329 reports of child abuse or neglect were received that year.

Abuse is defined as harm or threatened harm by a parent to a child’s health, safety, or welfare.

Neglect on the other hand is the failure by the parent to provide the child with adequate affection, basic needs, clothing, sanitation, hygiene, an appropriate education, health care, and supervision.

Neglect also includes the failure by the parent to protect the child from exposure to illegal drugs, illegal activities, sexual acts, or materials that are not age-appropriate.

ODHS says that neglect continues to be the highest single category of child maltreatment.

Last year out of the child maltreatment cases, neglect was over 86%, abuse at just under 10%, and sexual abuse at just under 4%.

"If you have even a suspicion that a child may be abused or they may not be having the best care, please report it to the Oklahoma DHS hotline or to your local law enforcement," said Hess.

Hess says that when you inform agencies who are trained to deal with these types of reports and allegations, you’re not getting anyone in trouble, you’re just looking out for that child’s best interest.

"Reports made to the Oklahoma DHS hotline of child abuse and maltreatment are confidential and you can ask for that report to be made anonymous," said Hess.

She says the investigator who has specialized training would decide whether or not to separate that child from their parents.

"The decision that is in the best interest of that child," said Hess.

Wednesday at 1 P.M., the Child Advocacy Network will host a ceremonial pinwheel planting to recognize April’s status as Child Abuse Prevention Month. That will be at 2815 S. Sheridan Rd. in Tulsa on the north side of the building.

If you need to reach out to the Statewide Abuse and Neglect Hotline, the number is 1-800-522-3511.