Child abuse cases appear to be on the decline in Lubbock County. That is according to the most recent statistics from the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. According to their 2022 Databook, 734 children were confirmed victims of child abuse in Lubbock County in 2022.
That number is almost half of what the county saw in 2013. As you know, Family Guidance and Outreach (FGO), is a non-profit organization committed to preventing child abuse and providing support to families in need. We attribute the decline in cases to the ongoing preventative measures taking place in the region.
However, the numbers are still staggering and highlight the ongoing need for local resources – like those provided by FGO. These numbers – no matter how great or small - are alarming and highlight the urgent need for increased awareness, prevention efforts, and resources to support families and children affected by abuse.
We appreciate our friends at KCBD NewsChannel 11 for highlighting the issue in a news story they did this week:
At Family Guidance and Outreach, we remain dedicated to our mission of preventing child abuse through education, support, and advocacy. We encourage the community to join us in our efforts to create a safer environment for children in Lubbock County. By working together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of children and families in our community.
If you suspect a child is being abused, please report it immediately to the Texas Abuse Hotline at 1- 800-252-5400. For more information on how to support our mission or access our services, please visit our website at www.806family.org