SHARE YOUR STORY
How have you helped others during this challenging time? Share your story for a chance to be featured.
SHARE YOUR STORY
How have you helped others during this challenging time? Share your story for a chance to be featured.
Together, we will get our momentum back.
KEEPING CHILDREN SAFE DURING THE PANDEMIC
Ninety percent of child abuse occurs at the hands of someone a child knows and trusts, according to Mark Mathews, the Executive Director of the Child Abuse Council in the Quad Cities.
“This is a very dangerous period for kids that are vulnerable,” said Mathews. “Isolation and stress increase the risk of child abuse. During the pandemic, some children are quarantined with their abuser and many others are at higher risk of abuse. Without school, kids aren’t interacting with mandated reporters like teachers and counselors, that typically identify and report any issues.”
How can the Child Abuse Council continue to keep children safe? Most employees at the organization are deemed essential workers. The Mississippi Valley Child Protection Center, which is part of the council, continues to work with law enforcement officials and the Iowa Department of Human Services to conduct forensic interviews and medical examinations of children believed to have been victims of abuse or neglect.
The organization’s Safe from the Start program provides therapy to children ages 0-5 who have been exposed to violence or trauma. All sessions have been moved to Zoom, allowing the licensed play therapists to continue with new and existing clients.
Many of the Child Abuse Council educational and prevention programs have also transitioned to Zoom. These include the Healthy Families Program, an evidence-based, free, and voluntary home-visiting program that provides education and support for at-risk families; and Community Education, a program that provides parenting classes and community presentations to raise awareness of behaviors symptomatic of child abuse and helps families and professionals mitigate the risk of abuse.
While this has been a difficult time for everyone, the Child Abuse Council is committed to remaining open. As a client of First Midwest Bank for more than 25 years, the organization knows first-hand the importance of a committed financial partner.
“We literally wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for First Midwest Bank,” said Mathews. During the Illinois Budget Impasse of 2015-2017, the organization had several contracts with the state that they were expected to fulfill even though the state did not pay them for 15 months. The organization was truly in peril. Fortunately, First Midwest Bank was able to offer an extension of a line of credit to keep the Child Abuse Council solvent.
The organization has remained a cornerstone in the Quad Cities since, and part of a network of social services to help families in need.
“Families just don’t know where to turn when they need resources,” said Mathews, “So we have strong partnerships with our area’s non-profits.” For example, families that work with the Child Abuse Council are often also referred to organizations that can help them apply for WIC, gain access to emergency shelters, or locate their nearest food pantry.
The Child Abuse Council has always provided vital services to vulnerable children and families in the Quad Cities. Even in the midst of a pandemic, that hasn’t changed.
