With some school districts utilizing remote instruction to start the year, state officials are reminding people to still be aware of possible child abuse.
According to officials, there was an approximate 40 percent to 50 percent decline in child abuse reporting once schools closed at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Officials say in 2018, there were over 39,000 reports made by mandated reporters to ChildLine. More than one-third of those reports were made by school employees.
State officials encourage people who suspect child abuse to report it. Signs of abuse include bruises, flinching, and kids being fearful of their parents or guardians.