December 14, 2010
Protecting the most vulnerable this season
By U.S. Sen. John Cornyn Guest contributor
Jacksonville Daily Progress
JACKSONVILLE, Texas -- This holiday season, while many of us are fortunate to spend quality time with our loved ones enjoying the spirit of the season, there are many children across Texas and the country who are subjected to a much different experience.
Child welfare officials and organizations often see a spike in reports of child abuse and neglect during this season, which some studies conclude is a result of the added financial stress of the holidays, more frequent use of alcohol among adults, and children spending more time with distant relatives during their break from school.
Child abuse and neglect is a serious problem that impacts too many children not only during the holidays, but year-round.
In Texas, on average, more than 200,000 cases of alleged child abuse or neglect are reported each year.
According to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, deaths from child abuse and neglect in Texas soared 31 percent from 2008 to 2009, with 280 related deaths confirmed.
This year, in addition to seasonal factors, the weakened state of our economy is already being attributed to a rise in child abuse and neglect cases.
A study recently released by Boston University School of Medicine found that a prolonged increase in unemployment rates is “detrimental” to the physical and mental health of children.
In November, the national unemployment rate rose to a seven-month high of 9.8 percent.
“When times are bad, children suffer,” said study author Dr. Robert Sege, Professor of Pediatrics and Director of Ambulatory Pediatrics at Boston Medical Center. “These results suggest that programs to strengthen families and prevent maltreatment should be expanded during economic downturns.” FULL STORY
I wonder if the programs to strengthen families is the same old false allegations, lies, fabrication of evidence and Legal Abuse as always?
No comments:
Post a Comment