Oneida County Raises Child Abuse Awareness

County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. was joined by elected leaders, county officials and partnering agencies today to raise awareness of child abuse and support measures for its prevention.

The event takes place each year focusing on the County’s Child Welfare Preventive Services and partnership with the Oneida County Child Advocacy Center (CAC). This event coincides with National Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month.

“Nothing we do in this county is more important than protecting our children,” Picente said. “Our caseworkers and investigators are on the frontlines, fighting to stop these atrocities from occurring, and supporting victims of these reprehensible acts. It is the duty of us all, however, to recognize, report and actively become part of the solution to reduce child abuse and neglect. When children and families are supported, the entire community benefits.”

Those in attendance participated in the annual tradition of placing pinwheels on the grounds of the Oneida County Office Building to symbolize healthy, happy childhoods. The Oneida County Office Building was also lit up blue in recognition of the issue.

Statistics show that in the U.S., more than 600,000 children are abused each year, one in 10 children are sexually abused before the age of 18 and that there are approximately 42 million adult survivors of child sexual abuse. Across New York State, over 23,000 children received services at a Child Advocacy Center for physical and sexual abuse in 2024.

Oneida County received 3,675 child abuse investigations in 2024, 463 of which were assigned to the CAC (321 were joint investigations with law enforcement agencies). A total of 279 neglect/abuse petitions were filed by the Department of Family and Community Services (DFCS) impacting 503 children and 216 families. There were 430 youth in placement and almost 600 families received preventative services to prevent further entry into the child welfare and juvenile justice system.

The CAC investigated 906 cases of child abuse in 2024, serving 832 children. There were a total of 775 alleged offenders and 60 arrests. Medical exams were provided to 37 children and counseling was provided to 214.

Of the total CAC cases:

• 729 were sexual abuse cases
• 55 were physical abuse cases
• 27 were neglect cases
• 552 were female
• 280 were male
• 329 were 13-18 years-old
• 293 were 7-12 years-old
• 210 were 0-6 years old

“Child abuse is not something that can be ignored,” said Oneida County Sheriff Robert M. Maciol. “It is something that must be addressed with every resource at our disposal. Every year, we use this event to bring attention to the need to protect our children. Not only do we need to be aware of the symptoms of child abuse, but we also need to educate the public on the steps they can take to help. This is critical to the mission of the Oneida County Child Advocacy Center.“

“The protection of children from the evils of this world is top priority in the District Attorney’s office,” said District Attorney Todd C. Carville. “In recognition of April being Child Abuse Prevention Month, we encourage our entire community to be aware of the signs associated with child abuse and to aid law enforcement in standing up against it. Our office will continue to fight for victims of these despicable crimes daily by prosecuting those responsible to the fullest extent of the law.”

“April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month,” said Chief Deputy Derrick O’Meara, Director of the CAC. “In an effort to raise awareness for child abuse prevention, we urge everyone to recognize that as community members, we all share in the responsibility to keep our children safe throughout the entire year. Teachers, parents, family members, health care providers, community members, neighbors and friends all have the power and responsibility to help keep children safe.”

“Neglect is often the result of economic and social inequity that impacts the availability of necessary resources to successfully raise a healthy child,” said DFCS Commissioner Colleen Fahy-Box. “That is why it is critical that as community members, we recognize the part every person plays in preventing child abuse. Small acts of kindness and concern, involvement in civic organizations that support youth and families, awareness of the needs of the children we interface with on a regular basis, being a resource to a struggling parent or child and many other such actions play a critical role in reducing child maltreatment and creating happier and healthier environments for children to grow and thrive.”

Common signs of child abuse to watch out for include:

• Unexplained Injuries
• Negative Changes in Behavior
• Returning to Earlier Childhood Behaviors
• Fear of Going Home
• Changes in Eating
• Changes in Sleeping
• Changes in School Performance and Attendance
• Lack of Personal Care or Hygiene
• Risk Taking Behaviors
• Inappropriate Sexual Behaviors

Anyone who is aware that a child is in immediate danger should call 911. If someone suspects that a child is the victim of sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect or maltreatment, it can be reported to the New York State Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-342-3720.

The CAC is comprised of members of the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, Rome Police, Utica Police and New York State Police, as well as victim advocates from the YWCA Mohawk Valley, mental health counselors from Oneida County DFCS and the Center for Family Life and Recovery.

Child Protective Services caseworkers are also assigned to the CAC and medical personnel work at the center on an on-call basis to serve victims. The CAC is also the designated agency to investigate cases of child sex trafficking, and has a specialized counselor to deal exclusively with victims of sex trafficking and high-risk youth. The CAC is also a member of Internet Crimes Against Children for which it investigates child pornography. It also monitors 250 registered sex offenders countywide.