Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor:
April is nationally recognized as Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention Awareness Month. It provides a moment in our frantic world for agencies who serve at-risk children and their family members to remind the general public that even if child abuse cases are not headline news, children in any community are at risk for abuse or neglect.
You don't have to be a mandated reporter, someone required to report child abuse or neglect because of your occupation, to report suspicions of abuse or neglect. If you strongly suspect a child is in harm's way, call the state's Child Abuse Hotline at (800) 392-3738. If you are uncertain, contact a children's agency or the local office of Missouri Children's Division.
There is good news to report to Missourians on this grave issue. Between 2005 and 2006, the number of children involved in substantiated reports of child abuse/neglect decreased from 8,158 to 7,222. How I wish those numbers were zero!
Thankfully, Governor Blunt and Missouri legislators have been good stewards for these vulnerable children and continue to fund programs for preventive in-home services, increase financial support for foster parents and treatment for children in residential care, and support tax credits that generate philanthropic giving to worthy agencies. Let us all be stewards for all children who trust in adults to guard and guide their lives.
Sincerely,Vince Hillyer, ACSW, LCSW, BCDPresidentBoys & Girls Town of Missouri