Kent Police responded to two different calls on Tuesday, Nov. 26 involving children in living situations that reportedly put them at risk.
In one case, officers arrested a family friend for investigation of child molestation, according to a Nov. 27 Kent Police statement. In the second case, officers helped find additional resources and options to a caregiver.
In the first case, a mother called 911 when her elementary-school-aged child disclosed abuse by a family friend, according to police. The child had expressed discomfort to mom about being in the person’s presence, so the mom dug a little deeper and her child advised her of prior abuse.
Officers arrived and gathered statements and evidence, and arrested the suspect for investigation of child molestation, according to police.
“The officers did a great job on this call, taking their time to collect statements and evidence,” according to a police statement. “We want to applaud this child’s mother for listening, digging and calling 911. You handled this expertly and we want to commend you for your actions to protect your child.”
The second incident also involved an elementary-school-aged child, according to police. The father is gone, mom is in jail and a young adult sibling has custody of younger siblings. The school became concerned when one younger child missed a week of classes and called 911 for a welfare check.
Officers arrived and spoke with the older sibling, the child and a family friend who lives elsewhere but has been helping on weekends, according to police. What they discovered is that although the older sibling is trying, they are overwhelmed and need assistance.
Officers interviewed the kids and witnesses, reported their findings to state Child Protective Services (CPS) to help get resources, and advised the caregiver of some options to help. The family friend committed to providing additional help.
“Thank you to the school for alerting us that these kids were in need,” police said.
Similar to the first case, the officers on this call slowed down and took their time investigating to ensure everyone in the home was safe, according to police. One officer described in his report taking the young child out onto the landing to ask him some questions.
“He intentionally positioned himself a couple steps lower than the landing to help the child be comfortable with their size difference,” according to a police statement. “They chatted casually to make the child comfortable. These small gestures are critical when dealing with kids. They take a bit longer but are crucial.”
According to police, in both these cases, someone stepped up and reported their concerns and the kids involved are being protected, getting matched up with needed resources and are safer for these interventions.
“These cases take time to be done right,” according to police. “But there is no bigger calling than to help our city’s most vulnerable members.”
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