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Post-presidential debate poll shows a shift in WI; Teamsters won't endorse in presidential race after releasing internal polling showing most members support Trump; IL energy jobs growth is strong but lacks female workers; Pregnant, Black Coloradans twice as likely to die than the overall population.

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The Teamsters choose not to endorse a presidential candidate, county officials in Texas fight back against state moves to limit voter registration efforts, and the FBI investigate suspicious packages sent to elections offices in at least 17 states.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Child Abuse Inches Up When Economy is Down

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Friday, April 18, 2008   

Des Moines, IA – April is "National Child Abuse Prevention Month" -- but child abuse is a problem at any time of year. In Iowa, the Department of Human Services investigated roughly 14,000 cases of abuse in 2006, the last year for which statistics are available.

Linda Spears, vice president of the Child Welfare League of America, is concerned that more cases will surface as the nation's economy wavers and parents find themselves under greater stress -- that some, inevitably, will take out on their children.

"The number of abused and neglected children has not gone down, and it's starting to creep up again. I'm concerned with the economy turning as it is, that that increase will continue to grow."

Spears notes in recent years, there has been a decline in federal funding for abuse prevention, which comes at an especially tough time, as states face budget shortfalls and a growing number of social workers report they are overwhelmed with cases.

"I think if there were greater resources we can find ways to make the workload manageable, lower the stress level for staff, and keep people doing this work."

According to Spears, the most common type of abuse is neglect, which can include a lack of medical care or schooling, or disregard for childrens' emotional needs.



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