Kentucky ranks first among all states for child abuse

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The United States Department of Health and Human Services ranked Kentucky number 1 in a disturbing problem. The problem is child abuse and it’s not the first year Kentucky has ranked first.

It’s actually the second year for the distinction.

At least 37 states have mandatory education programs for elementary school students to help them recognize what child abuse is, in hopes of preventing future cases of abuse. But in Kentucky, such education is not required.

Ashley Reynolds, of Kentucky Kids on the Block said there’s a list reasons for Kentucky’s ranking, and that list includes living in poverty and all the stress that comes with not having enough money to pay bills to a lack of education on how to discipline appropriately to even being under the influence of drugs.

Reynolds says when parents or even caregivers are feeling stressed, it’s important to take a minute to cool off and even ask someone-like a family member or friend-for help.

Kentucky’s Cabinet for Family Services has a hotline for reporting suspected abuse: 877-KYSAFE1