Last year alone, the Department of Human Services received
18,990 reports of suspected child abuse in Kern County. This places Kern County in line with the rest of the Central Valley with a troubling issue that is often linked to poverty, substance abuse and domestic violence witnessed by children.

"We need the community to be our eyes and ears and to let us know what's going on," said Human Services Director Beverly Beasley Johnson.

As part of Child Abuse Prevention Month, health officials held a forum on the troubling issue aimed at finding ways to prevent children from becoming victims. There were no easy answers.

Abusive parents often don't recognize they are abusing their children or don't know how to get help until it's too late. Patty Smith had all of her five children removed from her home after reports of physical abuse. Smith said she lost them for eight months. She was referred for treatment at Haven Counseling, and with help from her family, Smith was able to be reunited with her children.

"I had a lot of depression, stress. I couldn't help being without my daughters," she said.

There is help for parents who need assistance. The number to call is HelpLine at (800) 273-2275.

To report suspected child abuse, the Kern County Child Abuse Hotline is open 24 hours a day at (661) 631-6011.