Protecting Our Most Vulnerable

Recent information released by the Children's Defense Fund of Minnesota says that the rate of child abuse has been consistently going down in Minnesota for the last decade.  And according to a report from the Every Child Matters Education Fund, Minnesota has a comparatively low rate of child deaths related to abuse or neglect between 2001 and 2007.  This is all good information, but when headlines like this, "Mom Charged in Boy-in-Oven Case" tarnish the pages of our newspapers, I can't help but feel that any instance of child abuse or neglect is completely unacceptable.  

Nelson Mandela is quoted saying, "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."  As people of faith we are called to protect and nurture the most vulnerable and voiceless in our society, and the victims of child abuse and neglect are those who are often unknown and hidden.  It is our responsibility to be aware of and protect the children in our lives are and be attuned to their needs and concerns.  How can we expect to live in a society free from violence if we are teaching our children in the most brutal and damaging ways that violence is acceptable.  

Tomorrow, Thursday November 19th, is the World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse.  I urge you to take time tomorrow to think about, read about, pray about and talk about the children in your community who are often forgotten. Take a minute to write to your legislators about what they can do to help end child abuse in Minnesota (for sample text see below).

President Herbert Hoover once said, "children are our most valuable natural resource." We must do all we can to protect them and help them grow into healthy thriving people.

From Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota: Dear Senator/Representative, Minnesota's future depends on the healthy development of children. They are our future doctors, teachers, workers, parents, and leaders. The toxic stress of child neglect and abuse interrupts healthy development and puts the future of our communities and economies at risk. Investing now in prevention of child abuse and neglect will save us from higher social and economic costs later. Please support programs that provide high-quality care for young children, support and education for parents and caregivers, and pre-parenting education for youth.

To find contact information for your Legislators, click here.