Child abuse case is a tragedy, but also shows how system can work
(Lancaster) — The beating of an 11-year-old boy by his family in Lancaster has left the community shaken, and led to charges against a man and woman, but the case is an example of how the child abuse reporting system worked.
The minor, who isn’t named, suffered broken ribs and other injuries, allegedly from being punched, choked and kicked by his mother and stepfather March 19th in their Lancaster apartment.
Angela Liddle, president of the Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance, says it’s a tragedy, but what happened afterwards is a good sign.
She noted the next day at school – March 20th – officials noticed the injuries, called social services, and got the police involved.
“Key people within the school system knew what they were looking at and knew exactly what they needed to do in order to report, and then hopefully spare that child from any additional abuse,” says Liddle.
“People in the community, pay attention to children in their midst and be willing to get involved in an appropriate way when need be.”
Lancaster County Children and Youth Services is said to be taking care of the boy.
Liddle says the general public has a responsibility to watch for signs of abuse, not just those who face legal consequences if they don’t report.
She hopes over the next couple of years, the culture will start to change to encourage speaking up to protect children in all cases.
The boy’s parents are free after posting bail.
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