UC Davis Med Center data shows more than twice as many kids were placed in protective services this fall because of abuse or neglect compared to last year.

Dr. Anthony Urquiza is with the UC Davis’s CAARE center that treats severely abused kids. He says parents consistently point to financial strain as a reason for hurting their children.

“As poverty increases, rates of child abuse increase. We’re seeing a lot more kids, who have broken bones, head injuries, black eyes, kids who have been neglected.” 
 
But Urquiza says on top of service cuts from earlier this year, more could be coming because of the state budget crisis. He says if you suspect a parent is feeling overwhelmed reach out to them now to get them help before they take it out on their kids.