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How are the children? That question is on our minds even more as we enter April, which is child abuse prevention month.
It’s been less than six months since we held our town hall meeting on child abuse, and community members have rallied together to take steps to support and strengthen families and prevent child abuse.
Current efforts include developing a family support help line, a parent hot line, a crisis nursery, classes and support groups for grandparents raising their grandchildren, education for parents of newborns, ensuring agencies that work with at-risk children are coordinated and educating the public about how to identify and report child abuse.
That last point is critical to protecting children. I often hear from people that they are concerned about reporting suspected child abuse because they might be wrong. But calling to file a report doesn’t mean the child will automatically be removed from his or her home. It does mean that a team of trained professionals will evaluate the situation and investigate the concerns as appropriate and according to Colorado law.
If allegations are confirmed, a team of professionals, which may include the family doctor, the child’s teacher, the family’s pastor, counselors and family members, will work together to support the family and give them the tools they need to safely care for their children. The family may need help. The family may want help. Your call may help them get help.
To learn more about how to identify child abuse you can attend an informational meeting on April 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the Old Courthouse 544 Rood, in the Public Hearing Room. Seating is limited so reserve your spot by calling 244-1885.
To find out how you can help with the child abuse prevention efforts mentioned above you can contact me at 244-1606 or janet.rowland@mesacounty.us.
How are the children? It’s up to all of us to create a community where we can say, “the children are well.”
JANET ROWLAND
Mesa County Commissioner
Grand Junction
One Response to “April is child abuse prevention month”
Posted April 3rd, 2008 at 3:24 pm Login to Send PM Report this comment
I agree Janet, the children do need to be protected, the same as the family needs to be protected.
Mostly the family and the children need to be protected from government intrusion into the everyday lives of the Citizens.
While I am certain that you have the best of intentions, be very careful about what you push for in “the name of the children”.
One of the first things you should be pushing for is a serious cutback in the amount of taxes paid by families of all income levels.
Maybe, if the 72% of the federal budget that is forbidden by the 10th Amendment, was left in the pockets of the people that EARNED it, more Mothers would be able to stay home with THEIR children.
Just think of the political upsides;
Lower taxes on FAMILIES.
Mothers being able to stay home and NURTURE their young.
I can see a lot of upsides, and no downsides to the FAMILIES.
Why not start a new crusade FOR the CHILDREN and the FAMILIES Janet?
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