COVID-19 FIGHTBACK Fears rise for at-risk kids Family services warn of huge increase in cases of child abuse

VULNERABLE kids could fall through the cracks as family services prepare for an onslaught of child abuse cases when COVID-19 restrictions lift.

More than 350 Townsville families are already seeking therapy and support through Act for Kids, and North Queensland regional director Renee Mcallister said there was an increase in the intensity of problems.

Her concerns come as COVID-19 restrictions put pressure on families, and therefore children, to deal with confinement, no work and heightened levels of anxiety.

Earlier this month, Townsville police hunted down a 17year-old girl who was filmed blowing marijuana smoke into her little brother’s face as they sat on the floor of their home.

Act for Kids chief executive officer Dr Neil Carrington predicted reports of child abuse would explode like a “pressure cooker” when life goes back to normal.

Ms Mcallister was worried, but said it was too early to tell how bad it would be.

“At no other time have we all been required to spend so much time together … (this) can contribute to quite dangerous levels of stress,” she said.

Act for Kids provides services for families including therapeutic support, case management and early education.

Ms Mcallister said the organisation was already at capacity and families were now on a waitlist. “The more we as adults speak up for kids when we are worried about their physical and emotional safety, the less likely children will fall through the cracks in the system,” she said.

Ms Mcallister said she was particularly worried about domestic and family violence.

“We have been overrun with referrals … with limited ability to meet all the needs,” she said.

“Parents who might already be experiencing mental health problems are struggling even more than usual to cope with the impacts of isolation, close confinement in the home, and increased worry from kids.”

Ms Mcallister likened the crisis to last year’s devastating floods, which also saw a spike in domestic violence and child abuse.

The long-term impacts could be devastating but Ms Mcallister said early intervention was the key.

Signs of child abuse include prolonged crying, aggressive or repeated shouting, and children not wanting to go home or being withdrawn.

AT NO OTHER TIME HAVE WE ALL BEEN REQUIRED TO SPEND SO MUCH TIME TOGETHER … (THIS) CAN CONTRIBUTE TO QUITE DANGEROUS LEVELS OF STRESS RENEE MCALLISTER