Did Child Abuse Reports Really Drop During the Pandemic? The Numbers Might Be Misleading.
Since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, news outlets across the country reported a dramatic decline in the number of child abuse and neglect reports made to Child Protective Services (CPS) hotlines. But does that mean fewer children are being abused in Michigan—or are we just seeing fewer reports because the usual reporters aren’t seeing kids in person?
A Drop in Reports Doesn’t Mean a Drop in Abuse
Across Michigan—and in other states like California, Kentucky, Connecticut, and Louisiana—there was a double-digit decrease in calls to CPS during pandemic lockdowns, according to CNN and other national sources. However, child protection experts say this drop is not necessarily a sign of improved safety for children. Instead, it may reflect the lack of access to mandatory reporters like teachers, daycare providers, coaches, and clergy—people who are usually the first to spot warning signs and raise the alarm.
When schools closed and extracurricular activities were canceled, many children lost their only regular contact with safe adults who might report concerns. That doesn’t mean abuse wasn’t happening—it just wasn’t being reported.
Economic Hardship and Stress Likely Made Things Worse
Child advocacy professionals and academic researchers alike have raised concerns that the pandemic increased risk factors for child abuse, including:
- Job loss and financial stress
- Substance abuse and mental health struggles
- Increased rates of domestic violence
Dr. Anna Gassman-Pines of Duke University explained that “very stressed communities where there have been a lot of job losses” are more vulnerable to increased child abuse because families are dealing with intense uncertainty, emotional strain, and reduced access to support systems.
How Is Michigan CPS Responding?
Traditionally, Michigan CPS has operated from a reactive model—intervening only after receiving a report of abuse or neglect. But in the face of significantly fewer reports during pandemic lockdowns, CPS has attempted to shift toward a proactive approach.
That may sound like progress on paper, but it also raises serious questions about how CPS identifies families to monitor or intervene with—especially when those actions are based on speculative risk factors rather than actual evidence or reports.
If CPS starts a case without clear justification, innocent parents may find themselves under scrutiny based on stress-related assumptions or economic hardship alone.
Protecting Families Through Hard Times
The pandemic created unimaginable stress for families across Michigan. But being under pressure is not the same as being abusive or neglectful. Unfortunately, CPS doesn’t always make that distinction—and the consequences for your family can be devastating.
At The Kronzek Firm, we understand the emotional and legal toll a CPS investigation can take. Our team of experienced child abuse and neglect defense attorneys has spent decades defending parents throughout Michigan—from Lansing to Detroit to Grand Rapids.
We know how CPS operates, and we know how to protect your rights.
📞 Call us today at (866) 766-5245 for a free and confidential consultation. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays and weekends.
If you’re being investigated or accused, don’t wait. The sooner we’re involved, the more we can do to help protect your family.