COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – An effort is underway this week to highlight the number of children in Branch County who have experienced harm harm in the past year and the ongoing efforts to protect them.
The Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Council of Branch County (CAPA) has placed 472 purple colored pinwheels in front of the county courthouse, they say as a powerful symbol of the 472 child abuse and/or neglect complaints reported to Centralized Intake in 2024.
CAPA officials say the display not only shows the number of complaints, while also helps to highlight the critical challenges faced by local families.
They says of the 472 child abuse and/or neglect complaints in 2024, nearly half were assigned for further action, 23% were substantiated, and 39 children were placed with the state Department of Health and Human Services for care and supervision.
Substance abuse and untreated mental health issues were prevalent among the families involved. CAPA says other contributing factors included domestic violence, severe physical abuse, improper supervision, abandonment, and neglect.
On average, 60 children were in foster care throughout 2024. Despite the high demand, there were only nine licensed foster homes available in the county, which they say shows the gap in foster care resources.
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