Posted 4/11/01 We can all help to prevent child neglect Did you know that in 1998 there were 6,881 cases of child abuse and neglect in Minnesota? Over 4,800 of these were cases of child neglect. Child neglect refers to not giving proper attention to basic necessities like food, shelter, clothing, health care, hygiene or supervision. Tom Koplitz, Chairman of the Hands Together for Kids Council states, ìThe reasons that child neglect occurs are many. And they are rarely intentional. Parenting is probably the most difficult job any of us will ever have. It is also the most important job!î Family life in the year 2001 is extremely complex. Housing, employment, alcohol and drug use, isolation, health, education and most of all, poverty are all issues that can lead to child abuse and neglect. What is the impact of child abuse and neglect on children? Koplitz referred to a twenty-seven year study of victims of child abuse and neglect was recently completed by the National Institute of Mental Health. ìThe findings were that victims of child abuse and neglect were much more likely to abuse their partners, abuse alcohol and drugs, experience unemployment, drop out of school, commit violent crime and live in poverty. This is a very important issue in every community across the country.î So what can we do about it? We can embrace families, support parents and make sure young people are given every opportunity to grow up in a healthy, positive environment. We can help parents to understand child development. We can make sure that as a community we embrace the unique characteristics of all citizens, and that our diversity is an asset, not a deficit. We can make sure every family has access to information and other resources, and if there is a cost involved letís make sure we find ways to provide to those in need at no cost to them. Koplitz went on to say, ìLetís make sure organizations and agencies are working together to address these issues and not competing against each other. Letís make sure all service providers are aware of every opportunity that exists for families, and letís provide the support and encouragement to get families involved. ìLetís find out from those families themselves what it will take to get them involved. Most of all, letís recognize that each of us is an important part of the solution.î Reach out to families and kids in your neighborhood. Get to know them by name and converse with them. We can help to make our communities happy and healthy places for kids to grow up in. This year the Child Abuse Prevention Week in Chisago County is April 23-29. The kick-off event for this yearís campaign will take place at Hazeldenís Cork Center on Thursday evening, April 19. It is called Link & Learn and will provide parents, service providers, educators and community members an opportunity to learn from one of Americaís experts on raising kids, David Wilmes. The schedule for the evening is: 6:30 - 7:00 Social and entertainment - coffee, cake, punch and music 7:00 - 7:30 Presentations and program sharing 7:30 - 8:30 ìHow to parent kids who donít take no for an answerî - David Wilmes The event is free of charge and is sponsored by the Community Partnership with Youth & Families. There will be many other activities supporting child abuse prevention in Chisago County. Kids attending daycare throughout the country will be coloring scenes of healthy, happy families onto grocery bags. The bags will then be used by grocery stores for customerís groceries during Child Abuse Prevention Week. The Hands Together for Kids Council will be distributing blue ribbons to be displayed during child abuse prevention week. A variety of materials will be available for schools, churches, organizations and parents as well. For more information, or for free resources call the Hands Together for Kids Council through the Community Partnership at 651-674-4085. ©Post Review