Five Acres in Altadena Calls for Awareness, Advocacy, Action Amid Child Abuse Prevention Month

Five Acres, a foster care and social services organization in Atladena, is using Child Abuse Prevention month in April to draw attention to the issue, as well as advocacy and action, according to the group.

While reported incidents of child abuse have declined during the pandemic, there is a deep concern among adovacates that much of it has gone undetected due to the social isolation the pandemic has brought, Five Acres said in a written statement.

On average, the county’s Child Protection Hotline received up to 1,000 daily reports before the pandemic, the statement said. Since the closures, however, there has been a decline in calls of up to 50%.

“We are concerned for children who have experienced abuse behind closed doors and had no means of reporting it to a trusting adult like a teacher, school counselor, or peer,” said Five Acres CEO Chanel Boutakidis. 

Children are less likely to confide in mandated reporters, such as teachers, while learning remotely, according to Five Acres.

“Now that students will be returning, Five Acres anticipates a rise in child abuse reporting, especially with the financial hardships, stressors, and trauma of the pandemic,” the statement said.

To help connect youths in need with resources, Five Acres has launched its “Hope Line,” which can be reached via phone, text or email, representatives said.

“The HOPE line staff helps people in need of support in mental health, prevention of child abuse, domestic violence, and families seeking to become foster resource families Individuals who take action to stop child abuse bring safety into children’s lives. The HOPE Line is here to help children experiencing trauma,”according to the Five Acres statement. 

The Hope line can be reached at (800) 696-6793, or by email at HOPE@5acres.org to report or get support.

Additional information regarding resources to combat child abuse can be found online at 5acres.org/i-need-help/additional-resources. 

More information on Five Acres can be found on the organization’s website 5acres.org.