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Child abuse a key factor in one in four child deaths,
even when child dies from natural causes, says 20-year study

SACRAMENTO — An analysis of child death data collected over 20 years in Sacramento County reveals some “very troubling statistics” about the impact of child abuse, even in cases where children die of natural causes. 

“According to the data, 23% of children — nearly one in four — who die from any cause are either the victims of child abuse, or have a history of child abuse in their family,” said Sheila Boxley, president and CEO of the Child Abuse Prevention Center.  “Nearly half the children who die from any cause — 44% — are from families with known risk factors, including child abuse, substance abuse, crime and violence.”

“It’s very likely that these statistics reflect what’s happening nationally,” said Boxley.  “Knowing which children are at the highest risk can help us better target increasingly scare resources to the families who need them most, saving lives and using tax revenue more efficiently.”

The study found that “public education and targeted interventions” to change adult behavior work to reduce child deaths.  According to the study, “more than one-quarter of child deaths are preventable.”

Other findings of the 20-year study include:

— Over half the children who were murdered in the county died from child abuse (53%)
— Most of the children who died from child abuse were four years or younger (75%)
— More than half the children who died from child abuse were killed by their biological parents (60%)
— More children were murdered than died in car accidents
— African-American children died at nearly twice the rate as Caucasian, Hispanic and Asian children, though the majority of children who died from child abuse were Caucasian (39%), followed by African-American children (30%) and Hispanic children (15%)
— The leading causes of child deaths were perinatal conditions, congenital defects, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, murder, and car accidents, respectively
— The majority of children who died in the county were under five

Sacramento County has among the most extensive child death data in the nation. For the past two decades, the county’s Child Death Review Team has met monthly to thoroughly investigate the cause of death for every child who dies in the county.  The team includes representatives from police, fire, child abuse prevention, public health, child protective services, and local hospitals.

For more information contact: Sheila Boxley, President & CEO, Child Abuse Prevention Center, 916 244-1921.

Click here to view CDRT reports.

The following is piece written by Sheila Boxley, President & CEO of the Child Abuse Prevention Center.    

November 29, 2011

OCCUPY SESAME STREET
 

Got your attention? Good. Because my point is not that Sesame Street is part of the problem in our epidemic of child abuse. This cherished institution has always been part of the solution. Before it was fashionable, Sesame Street tackled some of society’s most sensitive issues and found a way to talk about them to young children without scaring the bejesus out of them.

So hats off to Sesame Street for doing good by being good.

Some of our other cherished institutions, not so much. The unfolding scandal at Penn State has rocked college football to its foundation. But the real problem isn’t college sports — it’s us. For too long we’ve allowed child abuse to continue in a sick parallel universe while we go about our everyday lives. Even as Penn State continued to wow us on the football field, it allowed a child predator to operate unfettered on its own campus.

But we’ve been down this sordid road before. A respected institution Is revealed to have condoned child abuse and we pretend to be shocked. When asked why he robbed banks, notorious outlaw Willie Sutton replied: “Because that’s where the money is." It should come as no surprise that sexual predators hang out in places where the kids are.

For nearly a decade, people who could have stopped the abuse at Penn State decided that protecting the university’s reputation and powerhouse football program was more important than protecting young boys from being raped in the shower. An unconscionable truth.

Although university officials acted quickly to contain the scandal once the lid blew by firing its legendary football coach and the school president, it was too little, too late. What makes the Penn State case especially despicable is that the accused sexual predator, a trusted guardian, reached out his hand to give at-risk youth a chance in life, then utterly betrayed them. Instead of turning these fragile lives around, they’ve been damaged even more.

Child abuse victims are 1,030 times more likely to abuse drugs and 740 times more likely to abuse alcohol, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The long-term health care costs associated with child abuse are staggering. Victims are 160 times more likely to be morbidly obese as adults, 220 times more likely to smoke and 1,220 times more likely to commit suicide, which is why the center calls child abuse this nation’s number-one public health crisis. Abused children are 30 percent more likely to commit violent crimes in later life, and are significantly more likely to abuse their own children or beat up their spouses. Aside from lost and wasted lives, child abuse is costing America billions.

How worried should we be? “Child exploitation crimes are exploding,” says US Attorney Barry Grissom, warning that there’s been “an historic rise in the distribution of child pornography, in the number of images shared online, and in the level of violence associated with child exploitation and sexual abuse crimes.”  His dismal conclusion: “The only place where the numbers have dropped is in the age of the victims."

In fact, it’s never been easier to exploit children. Many of our kids have become road kill on the information highway. The United States Attorneys’ Bulletin reports that the evolving Internet has “greatly expanded opportunities for offenders to find and distribute child sexual abuse images and to share with each other their mutual interest in sexually exploiting children." 

Americans may be divided on many issues, but clearly we can all agree our children deserve protection. We need more than just another well-meaning law. There were people at Penn State who were legally mandated to speak out, but stayed silent. Silence is not an option. We each need to take personal responsibility, because child abuse is everybody’s shame.

It’s time to put down your iPad and pay attention to what’s going on around you. If you suspect a child is being abused, step up and have the courage to speak out.

The Child Abuse Prevention Center is a nationally recognized training, education, service and resource facility headquartered in California.

The Child Abuse Prevention Center is a nationally  recognized training, education, service and resource facility headquartered in California.

Click here for a link to this piece in PDF format. 
 

Did you know that an incident of child abuse and or neglect occurs in California every 48 seconds? Reporting suspected child abuse can break the cycle of abuse and prevent future abuse from happening.

In California anyone who works with, supervises, or has regular contact with children is a MANDATED REPORTER, required by law to make a report when abuse and or neglect is suspected.

The Child Abuse Prevention Center offers training for Mandated Reporters. Our training teaches a Mandated Reporter his/her legal responsibilities to report known or suspected child abuse and neglect in California, how to recognize indicators (red flags) of the different types of abuse and neglect and how to make a Suspected Child Abuse Report. If you work with children and or families, this training is a must for you.
 

California's Penal Code states "The absence of training shall not excuse a Mandated Reporter from the duties imposed by the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act." CPC 11165.7(e)

If you are interested in attending the CAP Center's Mandated Child Abuse Reporter Training, please contact Training and Outreach Coordinator Isela Murrieta at (916) 244-1959 or imurrieta@thecapcenter.org.
 

The Child Abuse Prevention Center's annual Holiday Media Safety Event was hosted by Sacramento Metro Fire Department. "The holidays are a wonderful time" says Child Abuse Prevention Center President and CEO Sheila Boxley. "But it can also be a stressful, dangerous time for children. This annual event provides tips from safety experts to keep children safe."

Brenda Biggs, Metro Fire Department, shared the following information and after Brenda's presentation, a firefighter from Metro lit a Christmas tree to demonstrate how rapidly a tree will burn. Click here to a short  video highlighting the event.

1. Use extreme caution when using candles as decor. Never leave a lit candle in the reach of a child or pet. Make sure candles are not burning when the home is not occupied.

2.  Christmas trees should be at least 3 feet away from fireplaces or other sources of heat. Water your tree daily.

3. If you have overnight guests for the holidays, make sure they know where to exit safely should a fire occur and where to meet once outside from the home.

4. Check your smoke detector to make sure it is operating correctly. Smoke doctors should be replaced after ten years.

5. Equip your home with a carbon monoxide doctor. Carbon monoxide is the silent killer.

Deputy Jason Ramos from Sacramento County Sheriff's Office provided the following safety tips.                                                                           
1. When holiday shopping or at public events - designate a location where your family will meet if they become separated.

2. Make sure your children know to ask an employee in store or security personnel for assistance if they become lost or separated.

3. If you will away from your home during the holidays, ask a trusted neighbor or friend to collect your mail and newspaper so it appears as if you are home. Or have your mail and newspaper service temporarily stopped.

4. "Beware of dog" or home alarm stickers can be placed on your property even if you don't have dog or an alarm system. These warnings can help keep your home and property safe.

Katie Smith, Director of Safe Kids California provided information to keep children safe from toys that could cause injury or death. Smith said that supervision of children is critical to keeping children safe.

1.  Give age appropriate gifts. Toys may provide recommendations for what age group should use a product but those are general guidelines. Consider your child's maturity and if there are younger children in the household or visitors who may be able to access the toy should it not be put safely away.

2. Look for toys that don't have parts that can be choking hazards.

3. Make sure pull toys or other toys with cords cannot cause strangulation.

4. Batteries are dangerous for children especially the small round, flat types. Make sure toys that have batteries are age appropriate and that the battery is securely in the toy.

5. When giving a gift such as a skateboard or bike, provide a helmet and pads and begin reinforcing a safety routine for your child.

Thank you to Metro Fire Department, Sacramento County Sheriff's Office, Safe Kids California for providing useful tips to keep children safe during the holiday season. Thank you to the media, KCRA 3, News 10 and Unvision 19 who covered the event so that safety tips could reach our communities
 

Every other week in Sacramento County, a baby dies while sleeping. These babies are found:

• sleeping somewhere other than a crib                                                                        
• sleeping with their parents, grandparents or other caregivers                                             
• sleeping with their brother, sister or other children

To prevent these tragic deaths, make sure your baby is safe during sleep, both day and night. Learn the ABC's of infant safe sleeping. It could save your baby's life.

The ABC's of Infant Safe Sleeping

A for Alone

• Put baby to sleep alone in their own crib or bassinet.
• Don't put baby to bed with other children or adults. They can accidently suffocate a baby by lying too close to the baby's mouth or nose, or rolling onto them while asleep.
• Keep all soft items away from the baby when sleeping in crib or bassinet. Babies should not sleep with stuffed animals, pillows or blankets - soft items could accidently fall over a baby's face and suffocate them.
• A blanket sleeper or sleep sack will keep a baby comfortable. Don't use heavy blankets or quilts that may overheat the baby.

B for Back

• Put babies to sleep on their backs. Babies who sleep on their backs are much less likely to die of infant sleep-related deaths.
• Teach other mothers, grandmothers and those who care for your baby that "back to sleep" is safest for babies.
• "Back to sleep" will not increase a baby's risk of choking according to doctors.

C for Crib

• Cribs and bassinets are the safest places for babies to sleep.
• Cribs should be free of pillows, bumpers, stuffed toys, blankets or anything that could accidently cover your baby's face and suffocate them.
• Make sure the crib mattress is firm and fits snuggly with no space between the mattress and the side of the crib where the baby could become trapped.
• Unlike firm crib mattresses, adult beds are soft and can cause babies to suffocate. 
• Always return your baby to their crib after nursing. To make breastfeeding easier, keep a crib or bassinet next to your bed.
• Mothers who exclusively breastfeed their baby should discuss infant safe sleeping with their lactation consultant.

KEEP YOU BABY SAFE DURING SLEEP

"Remember your ABC's - make sure your baby sleeps Alone, on their Back, in a Crib or bassinet." Pediatrician

"We make sure our new baby sleeps safely, day and night, by placing her on her back in her own crib." New parent

"Putting your baby to bed on their back in a safe crib or bassinet will help everyone in the family get a healthier night's sleep." Grandparent

Beginning July 1, 2011 all single-family dwellings in California containing a fossil-fuel burning heater, appliance, fireplace or attached garage must have a carbon monoxide alarm installed. This new safety measure is part of the California Carbon Monoxide Prevention Act passed in May 2010. 

Carbon monoxide, known as the “silent killer,” is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas, and the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the United States. 

In a recent survey, 87% of California homeowners revealed they had fuel-burning appliances in their homes, such as furnaces, gas ranges, stoves or clothes dryers; portable heaters; fireplaces or portable gas generators—all of which are potential sources of CO.  When fuel-burning appliances malfunction or are improperly ventilated, CO can build up in your home. 

Initially, CO poisoning has flu-like symptoms, including headache and nausea, and often residents are completely unaware they are being poisoned. CO poisoning can lead to death, and grave and permanent injuries including brain and lung damage, impaired vision, and heart problems. Working CO alarms are the only safe way to detect this deadly gas in your home. 

Carbon monoxide alarms can cost as little as $20 and can be purchased at retailers like Wal-Mart, True Value and The Home Depot. In addition to installing a carbon monoxide alarm on each floor of your home and near sleeping areas, there are additional steps you can take to help protect your family from CO poisoning:

• Have your fuel burning appliances and fireplaces checked by a professional to ensure they are working properly and are properly vented.
• Keep barbeque grills outside.  Do not use them in your garage or inside your home for cooking, or as an alternative heater.  
• Do not use gas generators inside a home or garage, or outside near a window where fumes may seep into the home.

To learn more about California’s carbon monoxide alarm law and CO safety please visit www.casafehomes.org.
 

There is a training room at the CAP Center in memory of a child that was killed by her parents in a horrific case of child abuse. The room's name was inspired by the Roger and Carol Dreyer family. Roger and Carol are well respected attorneys with a loving family. Roger is a past president of the CAP Center and serves on the Board of Directors. The CAP Center successfully completed a capital campaign to purchase the building which is home to the CAP Center's three agencies. Roger and Carol launched the capital campaign by presenting the CAP Center with its lead gift. With the gift came the opportunity to name a training room. While beginning his law career Roger worked as the prosecutor in the Deneva Monique Beacham case. In 1980, Roger prosecuted the parents the first time they were tried for child abuse when Monique was only three months old. Monique's parents served six months in jail for this crime. Three years later, Monique's parents beat her to death. Monique's life made a lasting impression on Roger, he never forgot Monique. Thus, without hesitation the Dreyer family honored the precious three years old child and a training room where thousands are taught how to keep children safe is simply known as "Monique's Room."

Monique's Room (the following inscription adorns a plaque in honor of Monique)

Deneva Monique Beacham was killed by her parents on December 14, 1983, a tiny victim of preventable child abuse. She was three years old. 

Monique suffered throughout her short life at the hands of her parents, who had also been abused as children. Earlier, when she was just three months old, her parents were jailed for abusing Monique and her three older siblings. After her parent's release, the children were returned-with no parental education, support or guidance to break the cycle of abuse or prevent future injury. The abuse continued and Monique died. 

The people who gather in this room are dedicated to protecting children like Monique by educating parents, nurturing families and focusing on prevention so the most vulnerable among us are never again failed or forgotten.