Child Abuse in the Aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

According to a study by the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill, when Hurricane Floyd devastated the area in 1999, leaving 16 counties under water and millions of people in distress, a surge in child abuse took place – something that these experts say could be happening again in light of the recent disasters.

The university began the study of the increase in traumatic brain injury in children following Floyd.

The results were that child abuse brain injuries were five time more common in the hardest hit counties six months following Floyd. Seventy-three percent of the children in the worst hit counties were non-whites compared to less than 49 percent in other counties.

Dr. Heather Keenan, research assistant professor of social medicine at the UNC School of Medicine stated: “We hypothesized that the flooding and subsequent loss of – – and disruption to – – lives, property, and community ties in our state may have contributed to an increase in parental stress and depression and thus contributed to an increase in child maltreatment.”

Looking at the other factors that increase the risk of child abuse gives a possible grim outlook for the gulf coast, according to adoption.about.com.

Carrie Craft, guide to the site, says this research is important for communities to know and be aware of the need to monitor mental health in times of crisis and be on the look out for friends, neighbors, and family so that the children don’t suffer.

Craft, also a foster mom, said communities need to be prepare to offer more support to families who were hardest hit by stepping in when they see a neighbor breaking down, suggesting a variety of coping skills to families who are struggling, being available to listen, become a licensed foster parent for their area as the need for more foster parents may rise due to the added stress and trauma, and seeking professional help when things look too overwhelming for some to handle on their own.

“Working together we can keep our children home, our families intact, and our communities strong,” said Craft. “Don’t let the trauma and stress of natural disasters lead to another trauma for children and families.”

The Office of the Surgeon General and Public Health Emergency Preparedness are in the process of mobilizing and identifying health care professionals and relief personnel to assist in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

National CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is gathering lists of the needs of foster children and CASA/GAL (Guardian Ad Litem) programs in areas affected by the disaster.

The Centers for Medicaid and State Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIPS) will be able to accommodate the emergency health care needs of beneficiaries and medical providers in the Katrina devastated states.