Care Center Sees Increase In Internet Related Abuse Cases During The Pandemic

Since the beginning of the year the Care Center has served almost 640 Oklahoma families.  

The Care Center is the only Child Advocacy Center in Oklahoma City. Case Manager Rebecca Craig said they are in desperate need of support. 

"We are working with not enough staff right now; we definitely need more people um in particular we need a lot of advocates we need volunteers; we need people to come in and assist working with these children," said Craig. 

The Care Center handles all kinds of child abuse cases. Forensic interviewers work with children to help law enforcement determine the validity of complaints. 

The number one goal of the center is to make sure when a child or family comes forward, they are protected. 

"To ensure that if a child makes a decision to disclose what happened to them all of these moving pieces are working together to make sure the best work is coming out of that as possible,” said Craig. 

This year has proved different than years in the past, with report numbers down but also a higher share of internet related abuse. 

"They are becoming very vulnerable in particular online. They believe the threats they are told. They believe that people have all this information even though they don't. They can be very manipulated as well so you need to become that safe person they can come to," said Craig. 

If you are interested in volunteering or working for the Care Center visit their website.