Some statistics not flattering for Stoddard county

This is the second in a series highlighting the recent statistics released by KIDS COUNT, a data book compiled each year by Citizens For Missouri's Children. This story will feature the high number of out-of-home placements for children in the county, why the number is so high and what can be done to keep more county children stay with their families.

It is a disturbing fact that is not often brought to light. But KIDS COUNT data book, compiled each year by the Citizen's for Missouri's Children, has shown that Stoddard County ranks higher than any of the 115 counties in the state when it comes to the number of children in out-of-home placement situations.

"I think it is because our judge is so strict on drugs and not allowing children to live in that situation," said Heather Eddy, supervisor for the Stoddard County Division of Family Services. "And it is because we are a rural area and there is an excess number of people who use and make drugs.

"I think that is probably why our numbers are higher than that of other counties."

Other reasons for the higher number, Eddy said, is that there are many more instances of sexual abuse and unsanitary living conditions in Stoddard County.

"There are just an amazing number of sexual abuse cases here," Eddy explained. "And on the heels of that you have unsanitary living conditions, but those children can often be placed back in the home much more quickly."

According to Eddy, 160 children are currently living in out-of-home placement situations. According to KIDS COUNT, there were 18,319 children in Division of Family Services custody state-wide during fiscal year 2003 and that the average length of stay was 24.4 months.

"What we do is that a child is placed in foster care initially," said Eddy. "Then if we can find a relative who is appropriate, we will place them in the home with a family member."

And it is the children who undoubtedly suffer.

"There are lots of effects that this can have on the kids," Eddy said. "Primarily, the risk of harm for children in the homes of drug users or makers."

Eddy said that one particular case involved a two-year-old who was hospitalized after getting into her mother's methamphetamine stash.

"That was pretty severe," Eddy said. "You're talking about a two-year-old child."

For older children, watching their parents use and manufacture drugs can lead to future addicts. And with the instability of drug users, being in a home where drugs are present is automatically a risk to the child.

But once the children are taken from the home, the problems don't end.

"A lot of these children will suffer from depression," said Eddy. "And it is harder for the younger children because they develop attachment disorders.

"If the parents cannot get it together and get their children back, it may be a long time before they see that child again," Eddy continued. "And that time lapse can break the child-parent bond very easily. It's not as hard for the older kids because they already have the bond formed."

The best way to drop the number of out of home placements, said Eddy, is to recognize the signs of abuse and notify her office so that they can step in and work to solve the family's problems before it reaches the point that the children must be removed from the home.

"If you see the signs, like the children going around unkempt or children who withdraw and find it hard to pay attention, call us," said Eddy. "Then we can go in and work with these families to solve their problems some other way than just taking the children."

Sacha Champion may be reached via e-mail at schampion@dailystatesman.com