Legislation sometimes is designed to solve problems; at other times, legislation illuminates the nature and scope of a problem in a way that helps shape a solution.
During the past legislative session, a bill to address child-on-child sexual abuse was approved by lawmakers. In the three months since it became effective on Aug. 28, reported incidents have clarified the volume and complexities of child-on-child sexual abuse.
The state's Children's Division of the Department of Social Services received 1,270 reports of juveniles with problem sexual behavior between Aug. 28 and Nov. 30.
That quarterly number vastly exceeds the 600 cases annually estimated by child welfare advocates during legislative debate in the spring.
Some of the disparity can be attributed to reports that do not meet the criteria for sexual abuse.
Ryan Burns, spokeswoman for the state's Office of Administration, said: "We are starting to receive some calls that could qualify as "false alarms,' but it is too early to see a pattern."
Emily van Schenkhof, deputy director of Missouri KidsFirst, added: "We expected that there would be some transition issues as we learn what needs intervention and what does not rise to the need. This is not a black and white issue - so it often isn't as clear, "yes, this child needs help and no, this child doesn't need help.'"
What is clear is that the state's existing manpower and resources are insufficient to keep up with the volume of reports.
"The five caseworkers that were allocated last year had full caseloads within a few week of the law going into effect," Van Schenkhof said. "We are going to have to look at the need to increase Children's Division staffing if we want to ensure that the safety needs of all Missouri children are met."
We consistently supported the proposal when it was before lawmakers during the session. Early reports indicate the problem is more pervasive and more complicated than anticipated.
For the welfare of Missouri's children, this challenge must be met.