Family and Children’s Services concerned about lower volume of child abuse reports

Family and Children's Services of Waterloo Region are raising concerns about a drop in calls relating to child abuse. 

They have seen about a 30 per cent decrease in calls since the pandemic began. 

“What we do know is that this is a time for increased social isolation and fewer supports for families. A lot of families are experiencing financial worries, we know that those are factors that can increase child abuse and neglect,” said Karen Spencer, Executive Director, Family and Children's Services of Waterloo Region. 

She referenced a recession in the late 2000s that sparked a change in call volume. 

“In the downturn of the economy in 2008, we did see an increase in both calls about family violence, both intimate partner violence and also some child abuse and neglect cases as well.”

Spencer said in this case, many families are confined to their homes, leaving some abuse unseen and therefore not reported. 

“For families who were experiencing difficulties before the pandemic, these difficulties are likely getting worse.”

She said we need to be talking about this a community because, “there are children out there that still need your help and support.”