According to CASA of South Plains– Lubbock continues to have one of the highest rates of child abuse and neglect in the state. Interim Director, Lauren Westerberg said anecdotally, Lubbock CASA sees a very high rate of drug use in the cases they receive.
“What we see a lot of is methamphetamine use, and that’s what we have seen a lot of for several years in the cases we become involved with.” said Westerberg.
CPS provides various classes and programs that help and encourage parents to get clean in order to get their kids back. Westerberg said it’s not rare for children to be reunified to their parents, but only once CPS thinks it’s safe and appropriate.
“Last year in 2016, 35% of the children we worked with were re-unified with their parents with their families.” said Westerberg.
At the Children’s Advocacy Center, last year they had more than 700 interviews with children who have experienced abuse or trauma within the Lubbock area. Executive Director, Derek Danner said Lubbock has always had a high number.
“I would like to think that it’s a two fold, and maybe the numbers are high because we are good at reporting the abuse and neglect,” said Danner. “We have several hospitals here, and folks who are mandated to report anything they see.”
If you know of a child that could be potentially experiencing abuse or neglect, you can visit: https://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Child_Protection/
