According to Dean Janes, associate director of Bear River Social Services, a record number of child abuse and neglect cases were reported in Box Elder County in 1992.
Statistics compiled over the past six years show a steady rise in such cases in the county. However, Janes told Box Elder County commissioners recently that he believes the increase does not necessarily reflect an actual rise in the number of instances of child abuse and neglect. He points to heightened public awareness as the chief reason more possible cases of child abuse and neglect are being reported. In addition, the fact that under Utah law it is a Class B misdemeanor for any citizen to fail to report suspected child abuse or neglect, encourages such reporting.During 1992, 47 percent of the 321 total child abuse and neglect cases reported in the county were substantiated, Janes explained. Of those 140 substantiated cases, only 10 percent found their way to court. Janes told commissioners that every effort is made to keep children in the home, and in most instances services are provided while the child remains there.
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(Chart)
Total cases
1987 230
1988 224
1989 267
1990 308
1991 314
1992 321