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April 8, 2020Lincoln, Neb. |  By: AP

Nebraska officials fear pandemic could fuel more child abuse

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska officials are growing concerned that the closure of schools, widespread job losses and social isolation could be driving an uptick in child abuse cases. 

Stephanie Beasley, the director of Nebraska's Child and Family Services Division, says the new coronavirus pandemic is putting a major strain on the families her agency serves.

Beasley says the pandemic is making it more difficult for children to get social services and for parents to get substance abuse treatment and counseling.

Statewide school closures have also kept children at home and away from teachers, who are among the most likely to notice and report signs of abuse, she said.