PUEBLO — Since the pandemic began, families across Colorado have been sheltering at home. Kids who are learning from home aren't seeing the teachers, other adults who would normally raise concerns about their safety and well-being. As a result, there's been a drop in reported child abuse cases across our area, particularly in Pueblo.
Without seeing teachers every day, which are mandatory reporters, many are concerned about increases in child abuse. For instance, numbers out of the Pueblo Police Department show a decrease in the number of reports regarding child abuse and neglect this year when compared to last year.
To try and help identify these situations, even virtually, School District 70 in Pueblo County will be tracking student's attendance. If they don't hear from a child for a few days, they'll follow up.
"Teachers have been told that if you start to see that there are some connection issues with students, let's reach out to them, it could be a technical issue, or there could be something a little more serious going on that would require some more investigation," said Todd Seip, District 70's Public Information Officer.
School psychologists have also been helping train staff to look for certain signs you can still see online. You don't have to be a mandatory reporter to speak up. Call the child abuse and neglect hotline at 1-844-CO-4-kids.
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