How many times do we have to read about or hear the same horrible, sad story when it comes to child abuse?

A couple of weeks ago, a 1-year-old Salamanca child was taken to Buffalo Children’s Hospital for emergency brain surgery after an assault by her guardian. That man, Jarred W. Murphy, 25, of Salamanca was charged with first-degree assault, reckless assault of a child and endangering the welfare of a child and taken to the Cattaraugus County Jail on $50,000 cash bail or $100,000 bond. The charges against Murphy come a little less than a year after the similarly shocking murder of Nayla Hodnett, an 18-month-old toddler from Jamestown. No charges have been filed in connection with her death.

These situations are incredibly sad, and they are also examples of extreme child abuse cases that became public knowledge. It’s depressing to think that there are too many situations to count in which children are improperly cared for or abused that don’t become public.

There is a role for the public to play. Those who think a child is in immediate danger can call 911. To report suspected child abuse or maltreatment, call the state Office of Children and Family Services Statewide toll-free number at 800-342-3720. The state Office of Children and Family Services maintains a statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment for reports made pursuant to the Social Services law. The Statewide Central Register, also known as the “Hotline,” receives telephone calls alleging child abuse or maltreatment within New York State. The Statewide Central Register relays information from Chautauqua County calls to the DHHS’ Child Protective Service Unit for investigation. The hotline receives calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week from two sources: persons who are required by law, or mandated, to report suspected cases of child abuse and maltreatment; and calls from non-mandated reporters, including the public.

Surely, despite the best efforts of all those involved, we can improve the system that protects children who have been the subject of regular neglect or abuse. Too often, children like Nayla Hodnett are seriously injured despite prior involvement of CPS in their home. That isn’t to say CPS is at fault, but surely we can agree we need to find ways to provide the support they need to do their jobs as effectively as possible.

This month, designated as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, is as good a time as any for local and state officials to discuss the system’s shortcomings and share any ideas they may have to better protect children. One more case like the one we saw recently in Salamanca is too many.