OLYMPIA -- The financial stress of losing a job and watching a dwindling family budget can cause some parents to lose control, especially when alcohol or substance abuse is involved. Either way, these ingredients can be a bitter brew that puts children in harm’s way.

A March poll by Mason-Dixon Polling and Research showed that 88 percent of 607 sheriffs, district attorneys and police chiefs nationwide expect a rise in child maltreatment, based on their experience in prior recessions.

"Parents are losing their jobs and their homes," said Doug Porter, assistant secretary for the DSHS Health and Recovery Services Administration. "Stress and depression can overwhelm any parent, and they may not know where to turn for help."

"We know that alcohol and other drug dependency can play a major role in child abuse and neglect," said David Dickinson, the new director of the Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse in DSHS. "This can happen in a good economy or a bad economy. What's important is recognizing that addiction is a serious disease, it's urgent to get help, and treatment works."

"Preventing child abuse is everybody's business. Notifying Children's Administration of suspected abuse or neglect of children is a step in healing families," said DSHS Children's Administration Interim Assistant Secretary Randy Hart. "In these tough economic times, family and friends can also help each other before a family is in crisis. Be a resource for vulnerable children."

It's important that people who see children in danger report the situation quickly, and DSHS maintains a toll-free reporting line called END HARM – 1-866-END HARM or 1-866-363-4276 – that puts abuse reporters in quick touch with DSHS.

It's also important that parents facing substance abuse or alcohol problems understand there is help for them, too.

"Parents can get free referrals to addiction treatment," Dickinson said. "They can quickly find out if they qualify for state funding by calling the Alcohol/Drug Help Line at 1-800-562-1240."

The National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare advises parents to be smart about their limitations and offers the following tips to avoid abusive behavior toward children:

• Take a time out for yourself. Lock yourself in the bathroom for a few minutes - after making sure younger children are safe.
• Don't pick up or touch your child when angry - count to 10 or more.
• Walk away when feeling the urge to strike out or boil over.
• Call a friend. Share your frustration.
• Go to a neighbor and ask for reinforcement or a short break.
• Join a parenting class to learn new techniques.
• See a therapist regarding your issues at home, especially if you are having a difficult time walking away from your children when angry or have begun to be abusive in any way.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Jim Stevenson, Communications, HRSA, DSHS 360-725-1915 (pager: 360-971-4067)
Sherry Hill, Communications, Children's Administration, 360-902-7892

More information about stopping child abuse is also available from the DSHS Children's Administration Web site at www.dshs.wa.gov/geninfo/endharm.html.

DSHS does not discriminate and provides equal access to its programs and services for all persons without regard to race, color, gender, religion, creed, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, age, veteran's status or the presence of any physical, sensory or mental disability.